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.