What is a fluorescein strip used for?
Fluorescein is used to help in the diagnosis of a number of eye problems. When applied as a drop or within a strip of paper to the surface of the eye it is used to help detect eye injuries such as foreign bodies and corneal abrasions.
What does a positive fluorescein stain indicate?
Fluorescein staining indicates increased epithelial permeability of the cornea or conjunctiva by staining devitalized areas of the ocular surface.
How does the fluorescein test work?
You are asked to blink. Blinking spreads the dye 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. The health care provider then shines a blue light at your eye.
When do you use fluorescein?
A fluorescein eye stain test is usually ordered if your doctor suspects you have damage on your cornea or foreign objects in your eye. If you wear contact lenses, your doctor might do this test to see whether the contacts are damaging your cornea.
Why does fluorescein stain the cornea?
Historically, sodium fluorescein staining has been thought to be a result of one of three mechanisms2: pooling in areas of shed cells, ingress around cells due to loss of tight junctions, or in dead or desquamating cells.
How do you administer fluorescein?
Fluorescein is administered intravenously in the antecubital vein and topically to the ocular surface. The drug undergoes rapid metabolism to fluorescein monoglucuronide with a hepatic clearance estimated at 1.5 mL/min/kg.
Can you wear contacts after fluorescein?
However, soft contact lenses will absorb fluorescein, so it must be avoided unless the eyes are thoroughly rinsed with saline before soft contact lenses are reinserted. …
Does fluorescein affect vision?
You’ll need a ride home after the test. Your vision will be blurry and your eyes will be sensitive to light for up to 12 hours. You may need to wear sunglasses and avoid screens to prevent eye strain.
Where do you inject fluorescein?
Method of administration and fluorescence angiography The injection should be administered into the antecubital vein, after taking precautions to avoid extravasation using a 23 gauge butterfly needle for injection. Luminescence usually appears in the retina and choroidal vessels in 8 to 20 seconds.
