Rubeosis glaucoma. Close-up of the eye of a patient suffering from rubeosis glaucoma (known as rubeosis iridis). The pupil (at centre) has become occluded (blocked) by some opaque material. The iris and the white of the eye (sclera) are covered with thrombosed veins leaking blood. Rubeosis iridis is seen only in patients with severe glaucoma, caused by a build up of fluid within the eyeball. This causes abnormally high pressure in the eye making blood vessels permeable and damaging the eye's internal structures. Sight-loss may be avoided by reducing pressure within the eye using diuretic drugs or surgical drainage.