Endoilluminator phototoxic maculopathy associated with combined ICG-assisted epiretinal membrane and internal limiting membrane peeling

Abstract

Phototoxic maculopathy caused by endoillumination during macular surgery is uncommon. Previously identified risk factors have included intensity of the light source, proximity to the retinal surface, and length of exposure. In the era of indocyanine green (ICG)-assisted internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling, the use of ICG, and the technique of ILM peeling may both contribute to subsequent phototoxic maculopathy. We present cases of routine chromovitrectomy who developed phototoxic maculopathy in the precise discrete distribution of the ILM rhexes, and discuss potential mechanisms and implications.

Keywords:

• ILM peeling
• indocyanine green
• vitrectomy
• ERM

Acknowledgments

Yoshihiro Yonekawa is partially funded by the Heed Ophthalmic Foundation. The Foundation had no role in the design or conduct of the study. This manuscript has not been previously presented or submitted for publication.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.