Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026
Techniques for Processing Eyes Implanted With a Retinal Prosthesis for Localized Histopathological Analysis
Published on: August 2, 2013
[Clinical experience with brilliant blue G staining of the retinal surface]
C Wirbelauer1, H Häberle, D T Pham
1Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Klinikum Frankfurt (Oder) GmbH, Müllroser Chaussee 7, Frankfurt (Oder). christopher.wirbelauer@klinikumffo.de
Background:
Staining of the retinal surface has improved the intraoperative removal of semitransparent membranes during macular surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical experiences with brilliant blue G (BBG) staining of the retinal surface.
Methods:
BBG (Brilliant peel, Fluoron) was applied during vitrectomy and macular surgery in 43 patients. In 47 % there was a macular hole (MH), whereas 53 % had epiretinal membranes (ERM). Intraoperatively BBG was applied on the retinal surface under infusion or air conditions for 30 - 60 s. In MH the internal limiting membrane (ILM) and in ERM the membrane was removed. Postoperatively all patients were examined on average after 9 weeks.
Results:
Although intraoperative BBG staining was less intensive compared to ICG staining, the staining was sufficient to safely remove the semitransparent membranes in all cases. In all patients with MH hole closure was achieved, and in 96 % with ERM the metamorphopsiae decreased. The mean decimal visual acuity increased from 0.25 ± 0.13 to 0.37 ± 0.20 (p < 0.05) and improved in 63 % of the patients. Clinically, there were no toxic side-effects from BBG staining.
Conclusions:
BBG allowed a complete and selective staining of the retinal surface. Thus, ILM and ERM could be removed safely during macular surgery. No clinical retinal toxicity was observed.
