Fluorescein angiography of the iris in the management of eyes with central retinal vein occlusion.

Abstract

To study fluorescein angiography of the iris as a means of identifying eyes at risk for developing secondary glaucoma after central retinal vein occlusion. Fluorescein angiography of the iris was performed with a scanning laser ophthalmoscope in 27 patients (27 eyes). Individual images were by computer, determining relative areas of fluorescein staining and leakage. The best predictor of secondary glaucoma was the relative area showing staining. Neither relative area of leakage nor presence of iris rubeosis, age, or initial visual acuity were effective means of predicting which eyes would develop secondary glaucoma. This occurred in six eyes; all were treated with argon laser photocoagulation. No eye was enucleated. Iris angiography can identify eyes at risk for secondary glaucoma but specificity is poor. The often recommended regime to perform laser photocoagulation in all eyes with iris neovascularisations was challenged.