Effects of argon laser photocoagulation on rubeosis iridis and angle neovascularization.

Of 93 eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy treated by argon laser panretinal photocoagulation, two (2.2%) developed rubeosis. The incidence of rubeosis in five xenon-treated eyes was one (1.9%) and in an untreated group of 52 eyes, two (3.8%) developed rubeosis. The incidence of rubeosis in central retinal vein occlusion demonstrating retinal ischemia on fluorescein angiography was 60%, while in patients with central retinal vein occlusion and good capillary perfusion, the incidence of rubeosis only 1%. Panretinal photocoagulation was more effective in controlling rubeosis in diabetics than in patients with central retinal vein occlusion.