A new option is now available

The ocular surface can be affected by a variety of problems. These can cause significant discomfort to the patient. One of the important ways in which the health of the ocular surface is assessed is by staining with dyes.

Traditionally, fluorescein dye is used to assess the health of the cornea, while lissamine green and rose Bengal are used to study the health of the conjunctiva. In India, the dyes are available as strips, and sometimes, the latter two dyes do not elute from the strip well.

All slit lamps have a blue filter and this is used to study the effects of fluorescein staining on the cornea. If fluorescein staining of the conjunctiva is to be assessed, an additional yellow filter must be used to enhance the staining.

Recently, riboflavin has been used for staining of the ocular surface. Unlike fluorescein, it is available as a solution, which can be used from a bottle – with a shelf life of a month. With the blue and yellow filters, it can also be used to assess conjunctival staining.