FTIR: Fourier Transformed Infrared Microspectroscopy of epiretinal membranes and internal limiting membranes

Fourier Transformed Infrared Microspectroscopy (FTIR) analyses probes by absorption of infrared light due to molecules and their states of vibration in the probe. Spectra of absorption offer information about molecular components of the probe. Purpose of the present study is to analyse components of ERM and ILM, giving hints for the origin of cells producing ERM. In contrast to electron microscopy, FTIR does not need any chemical fixation of the membranes and therefore structure of components of ERM and ILM are not changed by fixation.