Development and classification of rubeosis iridis in diabetic eye disease.

The evolution and characteristics of diabetic rubeosis were studied in 33 eyes, and the following vascular abnormalities were found: (1) Dilated leaking capillaries around the pupil; (2) irregular or slow filling of the radial arteries; (3) superficial arborising newly formed vessels, usually starting in the chamber angle; and (4) dilatation and leakage of the radial vessels either before or after the development of neovascular glaucoma. None of the vascular changes was specific for diabetes. Four grades of diabetic iridopathy were distinguished on the extent of rubeosis: I, peripupillary vessel dilatations with leakage; II, early neovascularisation mainly in the chamber angle; III, prominent rubeosis with or without neovascular glaucoma; and IV, florid rubeosis.