In vitreoretinal surgery, vital dyes are essential. They let surgeons clearly visualise delicate membranes. Think of the ILM (internal limiting membrane) and the ERM (epiretinal membrane).
⚠️ But conventional synthetic dyes come with real limitations. Take indocyanine green or trypan blue, for example:
🔸 A risk of cytotoxicity affecting the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)
🔸 Possible diffusion of the dye into retinal layers adjacent to the ILM
🔸 Sometimes limited visualisation, which can complicate the surgical procedure
That’s where Bausch + Lomb comes in. Its BLutein dyes offer a natural alternative.
🌿 Lutein: a pigment your eye already knows
Lutein is a carotenoid. It’s found naturally in leafy green vegetables. It’s also present in high concentrations in the human macula, where it plays a well-documented protective role. Thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, lutein helps protect the RPE. It also filters blue light, slowing the photo-oxidative processes linked to certain macular conditions.
🎯 A formulation built for surgical precision
BLutein pairs lutein with PBB® (Pure Benzyl-Brilliant Blue). This molecule binds selectively to ILM proteins, with negligible retinal absorption. The result? Sharp, targeted staining of the ILM and ERM. This means greater intraoperative safety, and easier functional recovery for patients.
In short, it’s an innovation that combines surgical performance with respect for ocular tissue. Exactly what Medical DevEyes aims to put in the hands of Belgian surgeons.
📩 Want to learn more about Bausch + Lomb Surgery’s BLutein dyes? Get in touch with the Medical DevEyes Belgium team.
