This is a test that uses orange dye (fluorescein) and a blue light to detect foreign bodies in the eye. This test can also detect damage to the cornea, the outer surface of the eye.
How the test is performedA piece of blotting paper containing the dye will be touched to the surface of your eye. You will be asked to blink. Blinking spreads the dye around and coats the "tear film" covering the surface of the cornea. (The tear film contains water, oil, and mucus to protect and lubricate the eye.)
A blue light is then directed at your eye. Any problems on the surface of the cornea will be stained by the dye and appear green under the blue light.
The health care provider can determine the location and likely cause of the cornea problem depending on the size, location, and shape of the staining.
How to prepare for the testYou will need to remove your contact lenses before the test.
How the test will feelIf eyes are extremely dry, the blotting paper may be slightly scratchy. The dye may cause a mild and brief stinging sensation.
Why the test is performedThis test is useful in identifying superficial scratches or other problems with the surface of the cornea. It can also help reveal foreign bodies on the eye surface. It can be used after contacts are prescribed to determine if there is irritation of the surface of the cornea.
Normal ValuesIf the test result is normal, the dye remains in the tear film on the surface of the eye and does not adhere to the eye itself.
Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What abnormal results meanAdditional conditions under which the test may be performed:
What the risks areIf the fluorescein touches the skin surface, there may be a slight, brief, discoloration.
Special considerationsThis test is very useful for detecting injuries or abnormalities on the surface of the cornea.
ReferencesKnoop KJ, Dennis WR, Hedges JR. Ophthalmologic procedures. In: Roberts JR, Hedges JR, eds. Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2004: chap 64.
Hurwitz JJ. The lacrimal drainage system. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, Augsburger JJ, Azar DT, eds. Ophthalmology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2004: chap 98.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 02/01/2011
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain is commonly used for histological analysis of whole eyeballs. This stain allows visualization of the various structural components of the eye, including the cornea, iris, lens, retina, and optic nerve. Other stains, such as periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) or Masson's trichrome, can also be used for specific structures or pathological conditions in the eye.
Fluorescein staining is commonly used to diagnose corneal damage. This technique involves applying a fluorescent dye to the surface of the eye, which highlights any abrasions or injuries on the cornea when viewed under a blue light. Areas of damage will appear as bright spots where the dye has penetrated, allowing for an assessment of the extent and nature of the injury.
The diagnostic test commonly used to assess vessel disease and blood flow issues to the eye is a fluorescein angiography. This procedure involves injecting a fluorescent dye into a vein, which then travels to the blood vessels in the retina. A special camera takes images as the dye moves through the vessels, allowing healthcare providers to identify any blockages, leaks, or abnormal blood flow. This test is particularly useful for diagnosing conditions like diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.
Compound eye
Stains used for electroscopic views of eye specimens, such as the cornea or retina, help enhance contrast and highlight specific cellular structures. Common stains include hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) for general morphology and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) for detecting carbohydrates. These stains allow for better visualization of tissue architecture and pathological changes under an electron microscope. Proper staining techniques are crucial for accurate diagnosis and research in ophthalmology.
Abrasions of the cornea.
Alex E. Jalkh has written: 'Atlas of fluorescein angiography' -- subject(s): Atlases, Diagnosis, Eye Diseases, Fluorescein Angiography, Retinal Diseases
Fluorescein angiography is the medical term meaning radiographic study of the blood vessels of the retina. This process can examine retinal vessels in the case of diabetes.
Eye for an Eye - 2003 The Strange Stain 2-11 was released on: USA: 2004
The fluorescein test works by applying a solution of fluorescein dye to a suspected bloodstain. The dye binds to the hemoglobin in the blood sample, creating a fluorescent reaction when exposed to specific wavelengths of light. This reaction produces a bright green fluorescence under ultraviolet light, allowing forensic analysts to identify and detect bloodstains that may not be visible to the naked eye.
If you stained the eye of a patient with two marginal corneal ulcers using fluorescein, you would see bright green staining in the areas of the ulcers. This is because fluorescein adheres to damaged epithelial cells, highlighting the defects in the corneal surface. The surrounding healthy corneal tissue would appear normal and not fluoresce, making the ulcers more pronounced. Additionally, you might observe a potential underlying conjunctival or limbal involvement depending on the severity of the ulcers.
Fluorescein staining is the diagnostic procedure used to detect corneal abrasions. In this procedure, a special dye is applied to the eye, which highlights any damaged areas on the surface of the cornea under a cobalt blue light.
Fluorescein angiography is a medical imaging technique used to visualize the blood vessels in the retina and choroid of the eye. During the procedure, a fluorescent dye called fluorescein is injected into a vein, and a specialized camera captures images of the dye as it travels through the blood vessels. This technique helps diagnose and monitor various retinal conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and retinal vein occlusion. By illuminating the dye with blue light, clinicians can identify abnormalities in blood flow and leakage.
An ultrasound or a fluorescein angiography are two tests doctors use to further diagnose eye cancers. In an ultrasound sound waves are pointed at the tumor and depending on how they reflect off the tumor the doctor can.
Fluorescein dye is a synthetic fluorescent compound commonly used in various applications, including biological research, microscopy, and as a tracer in environmental studies. It emits bright green fluorescence under ultraviolet or blue light due to its unique molecular structure. Fluorescein is also used in medical diagnostics, particularly in ophthalmology for visualizing blood vessels and assessing eye conditions. Its high solubility in water and low toxicity make it a versatile tool in both scientific and medical fields.
A radiographic study of the blood vessels in the retina of the eye is known as fluorescein angiography. This procedure involves the intravenous injection of a fluorescent dye, which highlights the retinal blood vessels during imaging. It is commonly used to diagnose and monitor various retinal conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.
Try and oil-free eye make-up remover on the stain and it should come right out!