Abstract
Purpose: :
In vivo evaluation of the staining characteristics and safety of new dyes for retinal surgery in porcine eyes.
Methods: :
Light green SF yellowish (LG SF) (2%), E68 (2%, 0.5%), Bromphenol blue (BPB) (2%, 1%, 0.2%) and Chicago blue (CB) (2%, 0.5%) were investigated. All dyes were dissolved using balanced salt solution (BSS plus; Alcon Laboratories Inc., Fort Worth, TX). After pars plana vitrectomy in 10 porcine eyes, the dyes were injected into the air–filled globe, followed by removal of the dye by irrigation with BSS. The staining effect was then graded by two examiners. After vitrectomy, the same dyes and concentrations were injected in the air–filled anterior chamber to stain the lens capsule of the same eye. After surgery, the eyes were enucleated and fixated for light and electron microscopy. The animals were sacrificed by injection of pentobarbital (50 mg/kg, Dolethal®, Vetoquinol).
Results: :
Bright staining of the retinal surface was seen after application of BPB 2% and 1%. A less pronounced but still very good staining effect was seen using BPB 0.2%, E68 2% and CB 2%. E68 and CB in concentrations of 0.5% provided a weak staining effect. No staining of the retinal surface but of the vitreous was seen after application of LGSF 2%. The lens capsule stained very well with E68 2%, CB 2% and 0.5%, and BPB 2%, 1% and 0.2%, but not with LGSF. No histological abnormalities were seen after the application in any eye after dye injection. No dye–related complications occurred during surgery.
Conclusions: :
In this study we were able to identify three dyes with satisfying staining characteristics both on the retinal surface and lens capsule. BPB seems to be the most promising candidate for application in humans as even low concentrations provided a very good staining effect.