Retinal cryocoagulation in rubeosis iridis

Patients with neovascularization of the iris were treated with cryocoagulation of the peripheral retina alone (Group A, n = 29), or in combination with cryocoagulation of the ciliary body (Group B, n = 19). The basic disease was either diabetic retinopathy or occlusion of the central retinal vein. After a follow-up of at least six months, a marked reduction in neovascularization of the iris was seen in most eyes. Intraocular pressure was reduced from a mean of 35.4 to 13.4 mm Hg in Group A, and from 55,2 to 6 mm Hg in Group B. A phthisis bulbi developed in six of 30 eyes (20%) in Group A and in 11 of 20 eyes (55%) in Group B.