Retinal “Caratopathy”: Diamond Dust Residuals after Surgeries

Abstract

Diamond dust particles were identified within patients’ eyes both during vitrectomy procedures using diamond-dusted membrane scrapers and in postoperative clinical examinations. The particles had no impact on the patients’ vision and caused no apparent sequelae. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed the average particle size to be 23.4 μm and an unequal surface area for particle adhesion onto the soft tip. It was determined that diamond dust particles can dislodge from the silicone tip of the Tano diamond-dusted membrane scrapers during the insertion into valve trocars throughout vitrectomy operations and deposit on the retinal surface or within macular holes. Ophthalmologists should be aware of residual diamond particles during procedures and consider diamond dust retinopathy in the differential diagnosis of crystalline retinopathies. Understanding the appearance of residual particles on the retina allows for future studies revealing the long-term impact on patient’s visual performance.

Keywords

• crystalline retinopathy
• diamond dust retinopathy
• diamond-dusted scraper
• epiretinal membrane
• macular hole