Preinjection with sodium fluorescein aids discrimination in vitreous surgery

To discriminate formed and opacified vitreous from lacunae and irrigating solution during closed vitrectomy, sodium fluorescein solution was injected intravenously 18 to 20 hours prior to the operation. Vitreous gel became yellowish-green and helped in the resection of opacified vitreous, especially when ultraviolet light was used. The higher the total amount of fluorescein in the vitreous of patients with impaired blood-retinal barriers, the stronger the vitreous gel was stained. Neurosensory retina and hard proliferative vitreous membrane, however, did not stain well. This method can be useful to the beginning vitreous surgeon and in teaching surgical procedures.