The inhibition of prostaglandin E1-induced corneal neovascularization by steroid eye drops.

The antiangiogenic activity of several steroid eye drops was evaluated in a PGE-induced corneal neovascularization. Pred-Forte (1% prednisolone acetate) and Maxidex (0.1% dexamethasone) were very effective in preventing neovascularization. Medroxyprogesterone acetate at 0.1% in Tears Naturale was moderately effective and fluorometholone was less effective in blocking neovascularization. Cortisone alone was not very effective; however, the addition of heparin greatly enhanced its inhibitory effect. PGE1 induced corneal neovascularization and increased the leukocytes infiltration. The application of Maxidex right after the implantation of PGE1 pellet not only inhibited the leukocytes infiltration, but also blocked the neovascularization. These results suggested that the leukocytes infiltration might be one of the factors contributing to the development of neovascularization. The effect of steroid eye drops on the growth of preformed capillaries was also evaluated. The result demonstrated that Pred-Forte also suppressed the growth of well-developed capillaries.