Morphological study of rubeosis iridis induced in animal eyes]

Rubeosis iridis was produced experimentally in rhesus monkey eyes, by means of occlusion of the major retinal vessels of the retina and persistent ocular hypotony. Clinically, rubeosis iridis was recognized 5 days after the procedure. Histopathologically, these vessels developed anteriorly to the iris surface and endothelial fenestrations showed evidence of iris neovascularization. Endothelial cells of the vessels projected toward the internal lumen and showed immaturity. Newly formed vessels originated from the stromal vessels in the iris. This method is an effective experimental model for the induction of rubeosis iridis.