Retinal Damage Induced by Internal Limiting Membrane Removal

Figure 3

Light micrographs (LM) and transmission electron micrographs (TEM) of the ILM (asterisks) removed from eyes with diabetic macular edema ((a) and (b)) and stage IV idiopathic macular hole ((c) and (d)). The ILM is characterized by an undulated retinal side and a smooth vitreal side. ((a), (b)) Cell membrane fragments (arrow) on the retinal side of the ILM. The vitreal side of the ILM (arrowhead) is devoid of cells and collagen. ((c), (d)) LM shows a cell (arrow) with nucleus on the retinal side of the ILM. EM shows one large cell fragment (arrow) in contact with ILM and a single cell on the vitreal side of the ILM (arrowhead), which is likely a fibrous astrocyte [6].

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)