Rubeosis
Overview
Rubeosis is a term
that describes abnormal blood vessel growth on the
iris and the
structures in the
front of the eye.
 Normally
there are no visible blood vessels in these areas.
When the
retina has
been deprived of oxygen, or ischemic, as with
diabetic retinopathy or
vein occlusion, abnormal vessels
form to supply oxygen to the eye. Unfortunately, the formation
of these vessels obstructs the drainage of aqueous fluid from the
front of the eye, causing the eye pressure to become elevated.
This usually leads to neovascular glaucoma.
Signs and Symptoms
Patients' primary
symptom associated with rubeosis is a gradual loss of peripheral
vision related to the secondary problem of glaucoma. Rubeosis
is usually undetectable with the naked eye.
Detection and Diagnosis
The doctor can
diagnose rubeosis with a slit lamp
microscope. Often, a special mirrored
gonioscopy lens is used to
examine the blood vessel growth in the front of the eye.
Treatment
The primary concern
with rubeosis is the treatment of the secondary problem of
glaucoma. It is often difficult
however, to control the intraocular
pressure with this type of glaucoma. Both medical and
surgical treatment are often required.
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