To observe the expression of COX-2 in rat corneal neovascularization (CNV) and its relationship to CNV, and to explore the inhibition of Celecoxib, a COX-2 inhibitor, to CNV. · METHODS: The distribution and quantification of COX-2 and VEGF was detected by immunohistochemistry. Expression of COX-2 and VEGF mRNA was quantified by RT-PCR. The difference in protein and mRNA expressions of COX-2 and VEGF was analyzed to find the correlation between them. · RESULTS: Expression of activated COX-2 and VEGF protein and mRNA in CNV had a dynamic change. VEGF and COX-2 co-localized. Compared with the control group, expression of both protein, mRNA of COX-2 and VEGF in experimental group II and III had significant difference(P <0.05),indicating the correlation between COX-2 and VEGF, while that in experimental group I had no statistical difference (P >0.05). · CONCLUSION: COX-2 expression was up-regulated in inflammatory CNV. COX-2 modulates the expression of VEGF, playing a very important role in CNV. Celecoxib inhibit COX-2 expression so as to hold back the CNV.