Adequate visualization and identification of the posterior hyaloid,
epiretinal membranes and the internal limiting membrane are of paramount importance in modern
vitreoretinal surgery. "Chromovitrectomy" is a term used for describing the vital
dyes use in order to
stain these transparent tissues and facilitate their manipulation during vitreous surgery. This article reviews the indications, applications and characteristics of vital
dyes in
vitreoretinal surgery. Various
dyes are currently being used in routine clinical procedures, however the ideal staining agent has not yet been found. Any
dye which is injected intravitreally has the potential to become toxic.
Triamcinolone acetonide is used to highlight the vitreous and is particularly beneficial in determining the attachment of the posterior hyaloid to the underlying retina.
Trypan blue stains
epiretinal membranes and facilitates their complete removal. Both
indocyanine green and
brilliant blue G stain the internal limiting membrane properly, however concerns over
indocyanine green toxicity have made surgeons switch to brillliant blue G as a safer alternative.