Chromovitrectomy: current evidence, emerging technologies, and practical applications in vitreoretinal surgery

Chromovitrectomy has revolutionized vitreoretinal surgery by enabling the visualization of nearly transparent intraocular structures. This review evaluates the clinical utility of key vital dyes, such as brilliant blue G, trypan blue, indocyanine green, and triamcinolone acetonide, focusing on their physicochemical properties, staining affinities, and safety profiles. Recent advancements in dye formulation, including high-density and multi-component preparations, have improved tissue selectivity and surgical handling. These pharmacological innovations are now complemented by digital visualization technologies, such as 3D heads-up displays and customizable spectral filtering, which enhance contrast perception and ergonomics. We further discuss specialized surgical strategies for identifying occult retinal breaks and sequential staining techniques, while addressing critical concerns regarding phototoxicity and macular protection. As the field moves toward integrating intraoperative OCT and artificial intelligence, chromovitrectomy remains a dynamic cornerstone of posterior segment surgery. Understanding the synergy between novel biocompatible agents and digital platforms is essential for optimizing surgical precision and patient outcomes.