A comparative evaluation of two commercially available formulations of brilliant blue G in idiopathic macular hole surgery

Aim: The aim of this study is to comparatively evaluate “internal limiting membrane (ILM) blue (0.025% brilliant blue G (BBG) +4% polyethylene glycol” and “Brilliant Peel (0.025% BBG + heavy water)” in idiopathic full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) surgery with respect to anatomical and functional outcome and surgical ease of ILM peeling. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective comparative study. Thirty patients with idiopathic FTMH selected for pars-plana vitrectomy with ILM peeling were included in the study. Cataract extraction was combined with vitrectomy if cataract was significant. Fifteen eyes underwent ILM peeling with ILM blue – Group 1 and fifteen eyes with Brilliant Peel – Group 2. The adequacy of ILM staining was noted intraoperatively. All patients followed up next day, at 1 week, 6 weeks, and 3 months. Macular hole closure rate and gain in visual acuity (VA) and contrast sensitivity (CS) were noted. Statistical Analysis: Student's t-test was used to assess the baseline numeric differences among groups. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess VA improvement over time in each group. Chi-square test was used to compare two groups in terms of stage of macular hole. Means test was used to check the effect of lens status in visual recovery. Results: Both groups were well matched in demographic data, baseline VA, stage of macular hole, and percentage of eyes undergoing simultaneous cataract extraction. Macular hole closed in 100% of eyes. Mean pre- and postoperative logMAR best-corrected VA was 0.80 and 0.40 in ILM blue group and 0.993 and 0.527 in the Brilliant Peel group. VA improvement was clinically and statistically significant in both ILM blue (P = 0.004) and Brilliant Peel (P = 0.003) groups. The groups did not differ from each other at 3 months in terms of gain in VA (P = 0.291) and CS. Intraoperatively, both the dyes stained the ILM well. Conclusion: ILM peeling with ILM blue and Brilliant Peel dyes showed comparable intraoperative staining and good postoperative anatomic and functional outcome.