Ocular Diagnostic Preparations

Topical

• Use - identification of corneal epithelial defects and perforation (Seidel test).
• Action - absorbs light in the blue wavelength and emits green fluorescence.
• Administration - a single drop is sufficient.
• Additional information - remember to warn patients that their eye will look yellow but that this readily wears off. There may also find that handkerchieves stain yellow for several hours after when they blow their nose. Stains contact lenses.

Systemic

• Use - in specialist units to perform fundus angiography.
• Administration - intravenous: it remains largely intravascular and circulates in the blood stream. Patients are monitored for allergic reactions during and after the procedure.
• Side-effects³ - discolouration of skin (yellow tinge) and urine, vomiting, itching, sneezing, syncope, allergic reactions including anaphylaxis.

• Use - detection of corneal and conjunctival damage.
• Action - stains damaged conjunctival and corneal cells.
• Additional information - may cause local irritation on application, advise patients of temporary coloured staining of the eye.