Regression of diabetic rubeosis iridis following successful surgical reattachment of the retina by vitrectomy.

The relationship between successful surgical reattachment of the retina following diabetic vitrectomy and regression of preoperative rubeosis iridis was investigated. Seventy-nine (9.2%) of 850 diabetic cases undergoing vitrectomy had both preoperative iris rubeosis and retinal detachment. The iris could be adequately evaluated and the retina could be visualized after surgery in 36 cases. Regression of the rubeosis iridis occurred after surgery in 16 (76%) of 21 eyes in which the retina was reattached successfully. Only four (27%) of 15 eyes had regression of rubeosis iridis when the retina was not reattached completely. Retention of the lens also correlated with regression of rubeosis iridis. Regression occurred in 10 (55%) of 18 cases in which the lens was not removed, 13 (28.2%) of 46 eyes in which lensectomy was combined with vitrectomy, and none of eight previously aphakic eyes. Although the combination of preoperative retinal detachment and rubeosis iridis is associated with a worsened prognosis, successful reattachment of the retina and retention of the lens favorably influence later regression of preoperative rubeosis iridis.