Severe toxic effect of methylene blue 1% on iris epithelium and corneal endothelium.

PURPOSE: To report a case of corneal endothelial decompensation and iris pigment dispersion following the inadvertent use of methylene blue 1% for capsular staining during cataract surgery.

DESIGN

Case report.

METHODS

During an otherwise routine phacoemulsification cataract surgery, inadvertent anterior capsule staining with methylene blue 1% instead of trypan blue 0.025% was performed. Copious irrigation of the anterior chamber with balanced salt solution was initiated upon identification of the wrong dye. The operation was completed with minimal ultrasound energy without complications.

RESULTS

Iris discoloration and severe corneal edema developed in the early postoperative period, resulting in severe visual loss. The patient developed bullous keratopathy and underwent penetrating keratoplasty 16 months later.

CONCLUSIONS

In vivo intracameral injection of methylene blue 1% induces extreme cytotoxicity, primarily on the corneal endothelium and iris epithelium.