Neovascularization of the Retina and Iris
Neovascularization of the iris (NVI) is a true eye emergency. If this condition is left untreated, a patient can quickly lose all vision in the affected eye. Anytime vision is lost in one or both eyes, seek treatment as soon as possible. It is very unlikely for vision to return to normal without treatment and the sooner treatment is initiated the greater the chance of recovering some vision. The most common causes of NVI are proliferative diabetic retinopathy and ischemic central retinal vein occlusion. NVI can result from any condition that results in severe damage to the retina and its vascular system without completely killing the retinal tissue. The severely damaged retinal tissue desires fresh nutrients and metabolites from the vascular system to allow the tissue to repair itself and continue functioning. However, the damage to the vascular system of the retina prevents sufficient blood flow to these damaged areas of the retina. In desperation, the damaged retinal tissue relea