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 do we use fluorescein?

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 are some uses for fluorescein?

Topical fluorescein is a useful tool in the diagnosis of corneal abrasions, corneal ulcers, herpetic corneal infections, and dry eye. Fluorescein angiography is used to diagnose and categorize macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, inflammatory intraocular conditions, and intraocular tumors.