The effect of pan-retinal photo-coagulation on rubeosis iridis.

Fifteen eyes of 11 patients with rubeosis iridis and angle neovascularization associated with retinal vascular disorders were treated with pan-retinal photocoagulation. In seven of the 15 eyes, the new vessels on the surface of the iris and in the angle regressed after pan-retinal photocoagulation therapy for disk neovascularization; five of the remaining eight eyes that were treated prospectively demonstrated similar involution of the rubeosis iridis. In three of the five preexisting peripheral anterior synechiae regressed and angle structures previously obscured became visible. Three to 36 months after therapy, three eyes developed a few new abnormal iris and angle vessels.