Purpose: To evaluate the potential of brilliant blue G (BBG) for intraoperative staining of the inner limiting membrane (ILM) with respect to staining properties and surgical outcome.
Methods: In a retrospective, non-comparative clinical case series, we analysed 17 consecutive chromovitrectomy interventions for surgery of macular holes, ERMs, vitreoretinal traction syndromes and cystoid macular oedema. Following complete posterior vitreous detachment, BBG was injected into the vitreous cavity at a concentration of 0.25 mg/ml, followed by immediate washout. Main outcome measures were staining properties, visual acuity, central visual field testing and optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements over a mean follow-up period of 3 months.
Results: ILM staining was somewhat less intensive for BBG than for average indocyanine green (ICG) chromovitrectomy. However, the ILM was removed successfully without additional ICG in 15/17 patients. Postoperative visual acuity was improved in 16/17 patients and remained unchanged in one patient. Central retinal OCT thickness showed a postoperative reduction, with values ranging from +7 to -295 microm (median -89 microm). Neither visual field defects nor any other adverse events were recorded.
Conclusion: BBG permits sufficient staining for safe ILM removal. In this short-term study, good anatomical and functional results were achieved and no adverse events were observed.