Condition

Neovascular Glaucoma

Also known as Rubeotic Glaucoma, Rubeosis Glaucoma, Secondary Glaucoma From New Blood Vessels, Hemorrhagic Glaucoma

Updated May 16, 2026For educational purposes only. Not a substitute for medical advice. See our terms.

Bottom Line

Neovascular glaucoma is a serious glaucoma caused by abnormal new blood vessels in the front of the eye. It can raise eye pressure fast and needs urgent eye care.

Neovascular glaucoma happens when a sick retina sends signals that grow abnormal blood vessels on the iris and the eye's drain. These vessels can block fluid from leaving the eye 1.

The most common causes are diabetic retinopathy, a retinal vein blockage, and poor blood flow to the eye. The pressure can rise quickly and cause pain, redness, and vision loss 2.

Treatment usually has two parts. Doctors lower the eye pressure and treat the retina problem that is causing abnormal vessel growth 3.

Treatment

Treatment targets both the pressure and the retina disease. Pressure drops, pills, laser, or surgery may be used to protect the optic nerve 1.

Retina treatment is also important. Injections that quiet abnormal vessel growth and retina laser can help stop the signal that drives new vessels 3.

  • Eye pressure drops. These are often started right away.
  • Retina injections. These can shrink new blood vessels quickly.
  • Retina laser. This treats the oxygen-starved retina.
  • Glaucoma surgery. A drainage implant is often used when pressure stays high.

When To Seek Care

Go to the emergency room now for sudden severe eye pain, sudden vision loss, or halos with nausea. Seek urgent eye care today for a red painful eye after diabetic retina disease or a retinal vein blockage.

Neovascular glaucoma can move fast. Call your eye doctor the same day if your eye is red, painful, or newly blurry 2.

Common Questions About Neovascular Glaucoma

Often, yes. A red painful eye, sudden vision loss, or halos with nausea needs emergency eye care. Pressure can rise fast in neovascular glaucoma 1.

Next Steps

  1. 1Seek urgent eye care today for a red painful eye with diabetes or a retinal vein blockage.
  2. 2Go to the emergency room now for sudden severe eye pain, sudden vision loss, or halos with nausea.
  3. 3Bring a list of retina treatments, injections, lasers, and eye pressure drops.
  4. 4Ask whether you need both a retina specialist and a glaucoma specialist.
  5. 5Keep every follow-up visit, since pressure can rise again after treatment.

Find specialists for Neovascular Glaucoma

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