Comparison between efficacy of full- and mild-scatter (panretinal) photocoagulation on the course of diabetic rubeosis iridis.

The study enrolled 59 eyes with rubeosis iridis and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The efficacies of two types of panretinal photocoagulation ('full' and 'mild' scatter) on the course of diabetic rubeosis iridis were compared. The mean posttreatment follow-up period was 22 +/- 4.8 months. After application of full-scatter photocoagulation (1,200-1,600 spots) in 27 eyes, rubeosis iridis regressed in 70.4% cases, remained unchanged in 14.8% and deteriorated in 14.8%. After mild-scatter photo-coagulation (400-650 spots) in 32 treated eyes, rubeosis iridis regressed in 37.5% cases, 34.4% was unchanged, while deterioration was found in 28.1%. A better therapeutic effect of panretinal photocoagulation in regression of diabetic rubeosis iridis was obtained, if the total dose of the applied laser spots was higher.