Extracapsular cataract extraction in diabetics with rubeosis iridis.

We reviewed thirteen operated eyes (twelve diabetic patients) with rubeosis iridis who underwent extracapsular cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation. Prior to surgery five had active proliferative retinopathy (APR), and eight had non-proliferative retinopathy (NPR), either quiescent proliferative retinopathy (QPR) or background retinopathy (BR). No case with APR was visually improved by surgery. Three cases with NPR achieved a visual acuity of 6/12. After surgery, vitreous haemorrhage or progression of proliferative retinopathy occurred in three cases with APR. Early postoperative fibrinous uveitis was severe in eyes with APR, resulting in permanent fibrin membrane formation in four. We suggest a significant prognostic indicator in diabetic cataract extraction with rubeosis iridis is the status of the underlying retinopathy. With NPR, postoperative visual acuity may be good and early postoperative complications less severe. In the presence of APR the visual outcome is poor, progression of retinopathy likely and early postoperative fibrinous uveitis may be severe enough to prevent postoperative panretinal photocoagulation. Maximum preoperative panretinal ablation is essential in these cases.