Retention of dye after indocyanine green-assisted internal limiting membrane peeling

PURPOSE: To describe the long-term retention of indocyanine green (ICG) in the fundus after ICG-assisted internal limiting membrane peeling. DESIGN: Case report. METHODS: Two patients underwent vitrectomy including ICG-assisted internal limiting membrane peeling. The fundus was examined with a 780-nm infrared illumination of a scanning laser ophthalmoscope after surgery. RESULTS: No ICG staining of the fundus was visible ophthalmoscopically. Examination with a scanning laser ophthalmoscope, however, detected fluorescence from residual ICG until 6 months after surgery in case I and 9 months in case 2. No complication related to the residual ICG was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that ICG remains in the fundus for a long period after surgery. Clearance of the dye from the diabetic retina may be prolonged. (Am J Ophthalmol 2003;136:172-174. (C) 2003 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.).