The effects of intravitreal irrigation during vitrectomy on the electroretinogram.

Intravitreal irrigation with Balanced Salt Solution Plus (BSS Plus) produced less decrease in b-wave amplitude than either normal saline solution or Balanced Salt Solution. BSS Plus was more suitable for intravitreal irrigation because it contained the appropriate bicarbonate, pH, and ionic composition necessary for maintenance of normal retinal electrical activity, and it contained glutathione, which is necessary for maintenance of endothelial cell adenosine triphosphatase and for protection against free radical damage and oxidative stress.