Vital stains for vitreoretinal surgery

摘要

Since the introduction of vital dyes in posterior segment surgery, our capacity to comfortably and completely remove tissues that were previously difficult to visualize, such as the vitreous cortex, the epi-retinal membranes, and the internal limiting membrane (ILM), has increased radically, as has our inclination to do so.However, what has been gained through all of the membrane staining and peeling in the macular area? A large amount of research and publications? Most certainly. Better anatomical results? Very likely. Better functional results? Unfortunately, even after 12 years of the staining era, the jury is still out on this question.Hence, before we discuss the issue of staining, we must ask why and when we should really peel a membrane. After the introduction of indocyanine green (ICG) for ILM staining by Kadonosono et al in 2000, the focus of the debate on this unresolved matter unfortunately shifted from "to peel or not to peel" toward "which is the most effective and safe dye."