For the last 8 years vital dyes have been used to visualize preretinal semitransparent structures in the eye during vitroretinal surgery. However, indocyanine green (ICG), which was the first commonly used dye, proved to be partly toxic to retinal cells and the retinal pigment epithelium in various in vitro and in vivo studies. Therefore, an intensive search for new and safer dyes was started. At present three dyes, trypan blue, patent blue and brilliant blue are predominantly used for vitreoretinal surgery, in addition to ICG. In this article an overview of preclinical biocompatibility studies for common vital dyes is presented. Additionally, a systematic approach for testing of new candidate dyes for vitreoretinal surgery will be proposed.
