Indocyanine Green (ICG) Dilute Surgical Preparation is a special dye used by eye surgeons during delicate operations on the macula, a vital part of your retina.
| Drug class | Surgical Dye |
|---|---|
| Type | Single |
| Forms | Intraocular Dye |
| Common strength | 0.05% (diluted) |
| Common Indian brands | ICG (diluted for surgery) |
| Prescription status | Prescription (hospital use) |
What Indocyanine Green (ICG) Dilute Surgical Preparation is used for
Indocyanine Green (ICG) Dilute Surgical Preparation is a specialized intraocular dye used by ophthalmologists during specific eye surgeries. It helps the surgeon to clearly see and safely remove a very thin, transparent layer in your eye.
- Staining the internal limiting membrane (ILM) in macular surgery
How it works
Imagine trying to peel a very thin, clear plastic film off a window pane – it’s almost impossible to see! This is similar to the challenge eye surgeons face when operating on the macula. The macula is a tiny, highly sensitive part of the retina at the back of your eye, responsible for your sharp, central vision, allowing you to see fine details, read, and recognise faces. In certain eye conditions, a very thin, transparent layer called the ‘internal limiting membrane’ (ILM) needs to be carefully removed to help improve vision.
Indocyanine Green (ICG) Dilute Surgical Preparation acts like a temporary, harmless stain. When the surgeon applies this special dye during a vitrectomy (a type of eye surgery), it gently stains the otherwise invisible ILM. This makes the ILM clearly visible, allowing the surgeon to precisely grasp and peel it away without damaging the delicate underlying retina. This precise staining is crucial for the success and safety of macular surgery, helping to achieve the best possible visual outcomes for patients.
By making the transparent ILM visible, the dye helps the surgeon perform this intricate step with greater accuracy and safety, which is vital for protecting the delicate structures of your retina and preserving your central vision.
How it’s used
Indocyanine Green (ICG) Dilute Surgical Preparation is not a medicine you would ever use yourself at home. It is a highly specialized surgical dye that is only used by trained ophthalmologists (eye surgeons) in a hospital or clinic setting during a specific type of eye surgery called a vitrectomy. This procedure is performed in an operating theatre under sterile conditions.
During the vitrectomy, after preparing your eye for surgery, the surgeon will carefully introduce a very small, precisely diluted amount of the ICG dye directly into your eye. This application is done at a specific stage of the surgery to stain the internal limiting membrane (ILM). Once the ILM is stained and clearly visible, the surgeon will proceed to carefully peel it away using specialized microsurgical instruments. After the necessary surgical steps are completed, any remaining dye is typically removed from the eye.
The entire process is meticulously controlled by the surgical team to ensure your safety and the best possible outcome for your eye condition. You will be given detailed instructions by your surgical team about what to expect before, during, and after your surgery.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands available in India
- ICG (diluted for surgery)
Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.
Good to know
Prescription eye medicine — use only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or a prescription. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. This is given only by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting and is never for self-use.
Precautions & side effects
Indocyanine Green (ICG) Dilute Surgical Preparation is a medicine used exclusively by eye surgeons in a hospital or clinic setting. As a patient, you do not need to take any specific precautions regarding its use, as it is administered directly by the medical team. However, it’s important to be aware of the following general points:
- Correct Dilution: This dye must be used at the correct, precise dilution as specified by the manufacturer and surgical guidelines. Your surgeon and the surgical team are highly trained to ensure this.
- Light-Sensitive: The dye is sensitive to light. The surgical team will handle and store it appropriately to maintain its effectiveness.
- Prescription Medicine: This is a prescription eye medicine and is used only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. It is never for self-medication or self-use.
- Hospital Use Only: This preparation is given only by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting and is never for self-use.
- Professional Advice: This information is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or a prescription. Always discuss any concerns or questions you have with your ophthalmologist or surgical team.
Understanding Macular Surgery and Your Vision
Your eyes are incredible organs, allowing you to experience the world in vibrant detail. At the back of your eye is a light-sensitive layer called the retina. A small, central part of the retina is called the macula, and it’s responsible for your sharp, central vision – the vision you use for reading, recognising faces, and seeing fine details. When conditions affect the macula, your central vision can become blurry, distorted, or even have a blind spot, significantly impacting your daily life.
Macular surgery, often involving a procedure called a vitrectomy, is a delicate operation performed by an ophthalmologist (an eye surgeon) to treat various conditions affecting the macula. These conditions might include macular holes (a small break in the macula), epiretinal membranes (a thin layer of scar tissue that forms on the surface of the macula, pulling and wrinkling it), or certain types of retinal detachments. The goal of these surgeries is to repair the damage, relieve tension on the macula, and ultimately help improve or preserve your central vision.
During these intricate surgeries, the surgeon works with microscopic precision. Sometimes, a very thin, transparent layer called the internal limiting membrane (ILM) needs to be carefully removed to help the macula heal properly and improve vision. This is where special tools and techniques, like using Indocyanine Green (ICG) Dilute Surgical Preparation, become essential to ensure the safest and most effective outcome for your vision.
The Role of Specialised Surgical Preparations in Eye Surgery
When you undergo eye surgery, especially for delicate areas like the macula, your surgical team uses a range of advanced tools and medicines to ensure the best possible results. Indocyanine Green (ICG) Dilute Surgical Preparation is one such specialised aid. It’s not a medicine you take at home; rather, it’s a sterile dye used by your surgeon during the operation itself. Its purpose is to make a normally invisible, transparent layer inside your eye (the internal limiting membrane or ILM) clearly visible. Imagine trying to peel a piece of clear cling film off a smooth surface – it’s very difficult to see where it begins and ends. This dye acts like a temporary, harmless stain, highlighting this membrane so the surgeon can precisely and safely remove it without damaging the delicate underlying retina.
This precision is crucial for protecting your vision. By making the ILM visible, the surgeon can perform this intricate step with greater accuracy, which is vital for the success of your macular surgery and for helping to restore or preserve your central vision. Your surgical team is highly trained in using such preparations safely and effectively, ensuring every step of your surgery is performed with the utmost care.
Preparing for and Recovering from Eye Surgery
Undergoing eye surgery can feel daunting, but knowing what to expect can help ease your mind. Before your surgery, your ophthalmologist will conduct a thorough examination and discuss your specific condition, the surgical procedure, its benefits, and any potential risks. This is your opportunity to ask any questions you have. You will also receive detailed instructions on how to prepare, which may include fasting before the surgery and what medicines to stop or continue.
On the day of surgery, you will be guided through the process by the hospital staff. The surgery itself is performed in a sterile operating theatre. After the procedure, you will be monitored as you recover from the anaesthesia. You will be given specific post-operative instructions, which are crucial for your healing. These instructions will likely include how to use any prescribed eye drops, how to protect your eye, and when to schedule follow-up appointments. It is vital to follow these instructions carefully, even if your eye feels fine. Avoid rubbing your eye, lifting heavy objects, or engaging in strenuous activities as advised by your doctor. If you experience any sudden pain, significant vision changes, or unusual discharge from your eye, contact your ophthalmologist immediately. Regular follow-up visits are important to monitor your healing and vision recovery. Remember, your medical team is there to support you every step of the way.
Frequently asked questions
What is Indocyanine Green (ICG) Dilute Surgical Preparation used for?
Indocyanine Green (ICG) Dilute Surgical Preparation is a special dye used by eye surgeons during delicate operations on the macula, a vital part of your retina. Specifically, it is used for staining the internal limiting membrane (ILM) in macular surgery. This helps the surgeon to clearly see and safely remove this very thin, transparent layer in your eye.
How does Indocyanine Green (ICG) Dilute Surgical Preparation work?
This preparation works as a surgical dye. The internal limiting membrane (ILM) in your eye is normally transparent and very difficult to see during surgery. When the surgeon applies the ICG dye, it stains this transparent ILM, making it clearly visible. This allows the surgeon to precisely grasp and peel away the ILM during macular surgery without damaging the delicate underlying retina, which is crucial for the success and safety of the procedure.
What are the common Indian brands for Indocyanine Green (ICG) Dilute Surgical Preparation?
The brand name for this preparation is ICG (diluted for surgery). It is a specific formulation of Indocyanine Green that is diluted to 0.05% for intraocular surgical use.
How is Indocyanine Green (ICG) Dilute Surgical Preparation used?
This preparation is an intraocular dye, meaning it is applied directly into the eye during surgery. It is used by eye surgeons during a vitrectomy, which is a type of eye surgery. It is never for self-use and is only administered by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting under sterile conditions.
Do I need a prescription for Indocyanine Green (ICG) Dilute Surgical Preparation?
Yes, Indocyanine Green (ICG) Dilute Surgical Preparation is a prescription medicine. It is exclusively for hospital use and is administered only by a qualified ophthalmologist during surgery. It is not available for purchase or self-administration by patients.
What precautions should be taken with Indocyanine Green (ICG) Dilute Surgical Preparation?
As a patient, you do not need to take direct precautions, as this medicine is administered by your surgical team. However, it is critical that the correct dilution (0.05%) is used during surgery. The preparation is also light-sensitive, so it must be handled and stored appropriately by the medical staff. Always remember this is a prescription eye medicine and should only be used as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist in a hospital or clinic setting.
References
- Indocyanine Green (ICG) Angiography – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
- Indocyanine green: An old drug with novel applications – PMC
- Intraoperative Uses of Indocyanine Green – Review of Ophthalmology
- Eye health – MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine)
- Eye health information – American Academy of Ophthalmology
Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.
This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.