A report of iris neovascularization: an indication for carotid endarterectomy.

The combined use of goniophotocoagulation and carotid endarterectomy may be an important mode of treatment of iris neovascularization caused by carotid insufficiency. Carotid operation alone in cases of iris neovascularization has not been successful in controlling the concomitant or ensuing neovascular glaucoma. When more severe symptoms of carotid occlusion occur, such as transient ischemic attacks or visual loss, it may be too late to reverse the damage of neovascular glaucoma. In this case report, early detection of the iris neovascularization, goniophotocoagulation, and carotid operation were successful in the prevention of neovascular glaucoma and blindness.