New dual dye for vitreoretinal surgery with increased transparency

OBJECTIVES: To develop a new dye formulation for vitreoretinal surgery, which shows increased transparency for better intraoperative handling with better parameters important for use. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A new blue dye, DDG, was synthesised and tested for toxicity and staining. Diglycerol as new density-increasing additive was identified, and its toxicity and lack of influence of the staining with trypan blue (TB) on a collagen membrane as model for the epiretinal membrane was determined. Transparency of the dye solution was evaluated. RESULTS: DDG is as alternative to Brilliant Blue G (BBG), with good staining properties for interna limitans models, and a good safety profile. Diglycerol is a new non-toxic additive replacing PEG3350, with reduced viscosity and no reduction in staining, allowing the reduction of TB to achieve the same staining level of the collagen membrane by 40%, with greater transparency of the dye solution and reduced viscosity. Both factors should facilitate a safe removal during surgery. CONCLUSION: A new dye preparation with improved performance in comparison to marketed combinations of BBG and TB was developed. Its reduced TB concentration and viscosity with maintained density allow better tolerance and handling.