Abstract
Purpose: :
To investigate the staining properties of the cyanine dye (DSS: 3,3'-Di-(4-sulfobutyl)-1,1,1',1'-tetramethyl-di-1H-benz[e]indocarbocyanine) on porcine lens capsules and corneal biocompatibility on human corneal endothelial cells.
Methods: :
DSS has both absorption and fluorescence qualities with maxima within the spectral sensitivity of the eye. Toxicity was assessed using dye concentrations of 0.25% and 0.1% were evaluated (osmolarity between 290 and 295 mOsm). Corneal endothelial cell viability was assessed using a colorimetric test (MTT). The exposure time was 30, 60, 120 and 300 seconds. Staining properties of DSS were assessed in concentrations of 0.25%, 0.1% and even lower concentrations by applying the dye on porcine lens capsules.
Results: :
The dye DSS did not reveal any toxic effect on corneal endothelial cell viability at all concentrations and exposure times investigated. All tested concentrations resulted in a significant staining of the anterior lens capsule, but no dye penetration into the lens stroma. The combination of absorption and fluorescence provided a strong contrast, even in lower concentrations.
Conclusions: :
The results of our in vitro study indicate that the new cyanine dye DSS may be useful for human lens capsule staining in vivo. The combination of absorption and fluorescence may provide advantages compared to absorbent dyes being in use at present.