A simple way to prevent indocyanine green from entering the subretinal space during vitrectomy for retinal detachment due to myopic macular hole.

PURPOSE To present a safe and simple method of preventing indocyanine green (ICG) from entering the subretinal space in patients undergoing vitrectomy for retinal detachment caused by myopic macular hole. PATIENTS AND METHODS Four consecutive highly myopic eyes (three phakic, one pseudophakic) with retinal detachment due to myopic macular hole were operated on by pars plana vitrectomy. The ICG-assisted peeling of the internal limiting membrane was performed after temporarily closing the macular hole by means of a small bubble of perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) in order to prevent ICG from entering the subretinal space. RESULTS Retinal reattachment was successful in all patients, and anatomic closure of the macular hole occurred during the follow-up period (range 3 to 10 months). CONCLUSIONS A small bubble of PFCL prevents ICG dye from entering the subretinal space during vitrectomy for retinal detachment due to macular hole in highly myopic eyes.