AIM: To investigate the expression of β-catenin in cornea after alkali burn and explore its role in cornea neovascularization (CNV). METHODS: CNV model was established by putting filter paper with the size of 3.0mm in diameter immersed in 1mol/L NaOH solution on the left cornea of rat for 20 seconds. Twenty-five Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: post-operation 1-, 4-, 7-, 14- and 21-day groups while the right eyes as normal control group. The expression level of β-catenin protein, mRNA and VEGF were determined at the 1st, 4th, 7th, 14th and 21st day following the establishment of model by RT-PCR and immunohistochemical technique. RESULTS: No expression of β-catenin immunoreactivity was detected in normal cornea. The expressions of β-catenin and VEGF both reached the peak at the 4th and 7th day and gradually decreased to near baseline 21 days later. Alteration of β-catenin and VEGF levels showed a significant positive correlation (r=0.855, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The levels of β-catenin are markedly related to inflammatory CNV in rat cornea after alkali burn.