Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling Assisted By Anthocyanins From Açai Fruit (Euterpe oleracea): A Post-mortem Pilot Study

Abstract

Purpose: : To determine whether the natural dye from açaí fruit (Euterpe oleracea), consisting of anthocyanins, stains and facilitates peeling of the internal limiting membrane (ILM) in human eyes.

Methods: : This study was approved by Ethics Committee from Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo. Open-sky vitrectomy including posterior hyaloid detachment was performed in 6 cadaveric eyes within 24 hours after death. The eyes were provided for this study by The Eye Bank from Ophthalmology Departament - Paulista School of Medicine - Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, just after informed consent signed by family of the donor. Anthocyanins dye from açaí fruit (Euterpe oleracea) (concentration of 5mg/ml from the fruit extract) was injected into the vitreous cavity through the macula. The dye was allowed to settle on the macula for 1 minutes and was then removed by mechanical aspiration. Peeling of the ILM was initiated and completed with intraocular forceps under microscope view. The specimens were examined by light and electron microscopy.

Results: : Anthocyanins dye from açai fruit (Euterpe oleracea) in contact with the retinal surface resulted in light purple staining of the ILM, which facilitated its peeling in all eyes. Light microscopy and ultrastructural studies confirmed removal of the ILM in all cases and no important structural damage was observed on ILM morphology.

Conclusions: : Anthocyanins dye from açaí fruit (Euterpe oleracea) stained the ILM in human cadaveric eyes and may be an useful tool for vitreoretinal surgery.

Keywords: vitreoretinal surgery