Soluble lutein in combination with brilliant blue as a new dye for chromovitrectomy.

A new dye for vitreoretinal surgery comprised of soluble lutein/zeaxanthin 1 % and brilliant blue 0.025 % is advantageous compared with other dyes currently used for chromovitrectomy, and showed no signs of toxicity at 1 month of follow-up.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of a dye [soluble lutein/zeaxanthin (LZ) 1 % and brilliant blue (BB) 0.025 %] for improving removal of vitreous, epiretinal membranes (ERM), and internal limiting membranes (ILM) in humans.

METHODS

We prospectively evaluated 18 eyes treated surgically for a macular hole or ERM. Eighteen surgeons performed chromovitrectomy using the dye, and completed a questionnaire to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the dye. . Examinations included best-corrected visual acuity and intraocular pressure measurements and optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, and autofluorescence performed at baseline and days 1, 7, and 30 postoperatively.

RESULTS

The green dye was deposited on the posterior pole; vigorous dye flushing into the vitreous cavity was unnecessary. All surgeons reported that the ILM stained greenish-blue; 94.4 % reported ILM peeling adequate; the ERM stained poorly. No evidence of toxicity was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The new dye deposited on the posterior pole due to its higher density. The ability to stain the ILM was similar to BB. The new dye has ability to stain the vitreous, hyaloid, and especially the ILM satisfactorily. The new dye may be useful during chromovitrectomy.