Diabetic iris neovascularization. Natural history and treatment

Abstract

Purpose: To study the spontaneous progression from iris neovascularization to neovascular glaucoma, factors that determine how long it takes and the efficacy of therapy, we studied 81 eyes belonging to 67 diabetic patients.

Methods: The eyes were divided into three groups: control group (29 eyes, 26 patients), photocoagulation group (37 eyes, 30 patients) and cryotherapy group (15 eyes, 11 patients). The controls were observed for at least 12 months, and the treated group over at least the following 3 months.

Results: At the end of the follow-up period 12 of the 29 control group eyes (41.4%) had developed neovascular glaucoma and 6 (20.5%) increased neovascularization. Seven eyes (58%) that developed glaucoma did so within 3 months. There was no significant difference between the laser therapy (improvement: 84%) and cryotherapy group (80.5%).

Conclusions: At the end of the 12-month follow-up period progression from iris neovascularization to neovascular glaucoma is very frequent. There was no difference between laser therapy and cryotherapy.