The Effect of Fluorescein and Indocyanine Green on Corneal Endothelial Function

Nam, Sang Kil; Kim, Ki San

Abstract

Both sodium fluorescein[FL] and indocyanine green[ICG] were used for fundus angiography. Recently, these were also used during cataract surgery for enhancement of capsular visualization in white mature or hypermature cataract. So, ICG and FL may influence corneal endothelial function if left in anterior chamber. To evaluate the effect of intracameral FL or ICG on corneal endothelial function, rabbit corneas were isolated &mounted in the in-vitro specular microscope for endothelial perfusion. Experimental corneas were perfused with different concentrations of FL or ICG. Control corneas were perfused with glutathione-bicarbonate Ringer solution[GBR]. Corneal thickness was measured every 15 minutes during the perfusion and corneal swelling rates were calculated. Corneal endothelial permeability[Pa c] was measured according to the method of Watsky et al. The corneas perfused with FL, 2.5% deswelled probably due to high osmolarity. Swelling rates of corneas perfused with 1% and 0.5% FL did not differ significantly from control[p>0.05]. The corneas perfused with 0.01%, 0.005%, 0.002%, and 0.001% ICG swelled significantly[p<0.05], while swelling rates of the corneas with 0.0005%, and 0.0001% ICG did not differ from control[p>0.05]. Pa c in corneas perfused with ICG, 0.005% increased markedly compared to control while corneas perfused with FL, 1% showed decreased permeability. The results of this study showed that FL did not affect endothelial function of rabbit cornea in relatively high concentrations while ICG affected endothelial function even in lower concentrations. With respect to clinical use of intracameral ICG, close attention must be paid.