title: The retinal biocompatibility of dyes in the ex vivo model of the isolated superfused vertebrate retina.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Peeling of the internal limiting membrane or epiretinal membranes is a successful principle in macular surgery to achieve a functional benefit. Different dyes are used to facilitate the identification of intraocular tissues. The aim of our work was to investigate the retinal tolerance to the different dyes and their solvent carriers to provide valuable data for surgeons in handling for an optimal intraoperative use.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using the ex vivo model of the isolated superfused vertebrate retina technique, the effects of the dyes were tested on human and bovine retinal function. The retinas were perfused with an oxygen preequilibrated standard solution. The electroretinogram (ERG) was recorded using Ag/AgCl electrodes. After recording stable ERG amplitudes, the dyes brilliant blue G, indocyanine green, trypan blue, patent blue, triamcinolone and their solvent carriers were investigated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Reductions of the ERG amplitudes were found for each tested dye. The effects after application of the dyes were dependent on time and concentration of the applied dyes, which were different for each dye.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In part, the ERG has shown strong effects already after a short period of dye application. Surgeons who rely on the intraocular use of the dyes should keep in mind our findings, and the use of some dyes should be limited to selected cases. The well-considered use of the dyes by the surgeons could lead to a better functional outcome and avoid a possible harmful outcome of the surgery after mishandling.
authors.affiliation: University Eye Hospital, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
authors.forename: Matthias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lüke
authors.forename: Salvatore
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Grisanti
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lüke
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D004396:Coloring Agents / Q000633:toxicity*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004596:Electroretinography / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007208:Indocyanine Green / Q000633:toxicity; D008422:Materials Testing; D012160:Retina / Q000187:drug effects*; D012394:Rosaniline Dyes / Q000633:toxicity; D013997:Time Factors; D014221:Triamcinolone / Q000633:toxicity; D014343:Trypan Blue / Q000633:toxicity
chemical_list: D004396:Coloring Agents; D012394:Rosaniline Dyes; D014221:Triamcinolone; C008769:sulfan blue; D014343:Trypan Blue; D007208:Indocyanine Green; C004692:coomassie Brilliant Blue