Rubeosis iridis

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Rubeosis iridis is a medical condition of the iris of the eye in which new abnormal blood vessels (i.e. neovascularization) are found on the surface of the iris. It is usually associated with disease processes in the retina, which involve the retina becoming starved of oxygen (ischaemic). The retina generates enzymes which encourage the growth of new blood vessels. These angiogenic enzymes may diffuse to the front of the eye, and cause new blood vessels to grow on the iris. The blood vessels may block the angle at the front of the eye, causing rubeotic glaucoma. This condition is often associated with diabetes in advanced proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Other conditions causing rubeosis iridis include central retinal vein occlusion[1], ocular ischemic syndrome[2], and chronic retinal detachment.

Treatment of the underlying process can often reverse iris neovascularisation. Pan retinal photocoagulation by laser helps to decrease the oxygen demand of the retina and thereby decreases the levels of angiogenic factors. As angiogenic factors are required for neovascularisation, the process stops and the vessels regress.

Lately anti-VEGF antibodies are included in the treatment of neovascularization of the iris. These approaches show promising results.[3]


[edit] References

  1. ^ Laatikainen L, Blach RK. "Behaviour of the iris vasculature in central retinal vein occlusion: a fluorescein angiographic study of the vascular response of the retina and the iris." Br J Ophthalmol. 1977 Apr;61(4):272-7. PMID 857872.
  2. ^ Dhooge M, de Laey JJ. "The ocular ischemic syndrome." Bull Soc Belge Ophtalmol. 1989;231:1-13. PMID 2488440.
  3. ^ Davidorf FH, Mouser JG, Derick RJ. "Rapid improvement of rubeosis iridis from a single bevacizumab (Avastin) injection." Retina. 2006 Mar;26(3):354-6. PMID 16508439.
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