Original Paper

A Modified Technique to Stain the Internal Limiting Membrane with Indocyanine Green
Joerg C. Schmidt, Eduardo B. Rodrigues, Carsten H. Meyer, Steffen Hoerle, Peter Kroll

Department of Ophthalmology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany

Address of Corresponding Author

Ophthalmologica 2004;218:176-179 (DOI: 10.1159/000076841)

  Key Words

• Indocyanine green
• Internal limiting membrane
• Macular hole

  Abstract

Purpose: Peeling of the internal limiting membrane (ILM) has improved the outcomes in vitreoretinal surgery of macular diseases. Indocyanine green (ICG) is used to stain and improve the visualization of the ILM. This paper aims to describe a modified approach to stain and peel the ILM avoiding potential adverse side effects. Methods: After a core vitrectomy, 0.05 ml of ICG in a concentration of 5 mg/ml is quickly injected under water around the macular region. The tip of the syringe is positioned about 5 mm from the macular tissue, in a way that about a 3-mm diameter area around the fovea is stained by the ICG. Additional ICG is immediately removed by aspiration. Peeling of the ILM is accomplished with a forceps. Results: Neither residual ICG in the vitreous cavity nor any clinical signs of phototoxicity like retinal edema were detected in any patients operated by this technique. Conclusions: This modified technique to stain the ILM limits the amount and concentration of ICG. The locally limited contact of ICG with the retinal surface seems to be a safe procedure to stain the ILM.

Copyright © 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

E.B. Rodrigues, MD
Klinik für Augenheilkunde
Robert-Koch-Strasse 4
DE-35033 Marburg (Germany)
Tel. +49 64 21 2862600, Fax +49 64 21 2865678, E-Mail edubrodriguess@yahoo.com.br

  Article Information

Received: July 11, 2003
Accepted after revision: November 6, 2003
Number of Print Pages : 4
Number of Figures : 1, Number of Tables : 0, Number of References : 25