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Vitreoretinal Procedures

Vitreoretinal Illustration

In a recent study, it has been shown that when oxidized glutathione (GSSG) in BSS PLUS® Solution is used for vitrectomy, the GSSG is converted to reduced glutathione (GSH) in the retina. The glutathione from BSS PLUS® ultimately is incorporated into the intracellular glutathione pool.1

Additionally, it has been shown that BSS PLUS® is less harmful than GSSG-free solutions to the barrier function of the RPE cells, and the GSSG has a beneficial effect in maintaining the functions of the RPE.2

Diabetic retinopathy results when abnormal changes take place in the blood vessels of the retina. In many patients, retinal blood vessels may swell and hemorrhage, where in others abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina. BSS PLUS® Solution has been shown to help fight the oxidative effects of free-radical formation during surgery. Recent studies have shown that the retina and choroid can benefit from supplemental glutathione found in BSS PLUS®.3

Restoration of normal vision, or the prevention of continued visual loss, can now be accomplished in more advanced or difficult vitreoretinal conditions. Macular holes and proliferative vitreoretinopathy are common and visually debilitating conditions.

In proliferative vitreoretinopathy, the retina develops fixed folds secondary to the formation of taut vitreal and pre-retinal fibrous membranes. This severe distortion of the retina often results in a complicated retinal detachment. In macular hole conditions, the retina develops a hole in the macular region. These disease states are accompanied by dramatic visual loss and lengthy, complicated surgeries. BSS PLUS® protects the ocular tissues that have been exposed to the atmosphere, microscope light, and metabolic stress from free-radical formation.

  1. Edelhauser HF, Amass R, Lambert R. Intraocular Irrigating Solutions. In: Textbook of Ocular Pharmacology.Philadelphia: Lippincott - Ravin Publishers, 1997, p. 638.
  2. Araie M, Kimura M. Intraocular Irrigating Solutions and Barrier Function of Retinal Pigment Epithelium. Br J Ophthalmol 1987; 81:150-153.
  3. Mayer P, Mattern J, Parnell D, Hall KL,Veltman JC, Edelhauser HF. Distribution of [35S-GSSG] Into Ocular Tissues and Its Effect on Ocular Glutathione Homeostasis. Invest Ophth Vis Sci 1992; 33:1413.