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Rubeosis
Rubeosis is a term that describes abnormal
blood vessel growth on the iris and the structures in the front of the
eye. Normally there are no visible blood vessels in these areas.
When the retina has been deprived of oxygen, or ischemic, as with
diabetic retinopathy or vein occlusion, abnormal vessels form to supply
oxygen to the eye. Unfortunately, the formation of these vessels
obstructs the drainage of aqueous fluid from the front of the eye,
causing the eye pressure to become elevated. This usually leads to
neovascular glaucoma.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Patients' primary
symptom associated with rubeosis is a gradual loss of peripheral vision
related to the secondary problem of glaucoma. Rubeosis is usually
undetectable with the naked eye.
DETECTION AND DIAGNOSIS
The
doctor can diagnose rubeosis with a slit lamp microscope. Often, a
special mirrored gonioscopy lens is used to examine the blood vessel
growth in the front of the eye.
TREATMENT
The primary concern
with rubeosis is the treatment of the secondary problem of glaucoma. It
is often difficult however, to control the intraocular pressure with
this type of glaucoma. Both medical and surgical treatment are often
required.
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