Formulations and methods useful to reduce
ocular neovascularization (new blood vessels in the
cornea,
retina,
conjunctiva, and / or
choroid) are disclosed. According to the invention the formulation will include
tetracycline or a derivative thereof including chemically modified tetracyclines (CMT) which inhibit
matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity at a substantially
neutral pH in a pharmaceutically acceptable form suitable for delivery to the eye in an amount and for a duration sufficient to reduce
ocular neovascularization. According to the invention the formulations are preferably in pharmaceutically acceptable formulations for topical ocular application, ocular injection, or ocular implantation, and may be contained in liposomes or slow release capsules.