The use of dye in ophthalmology

Abstract

Dyes are used in current ophthalmological practice, both as diagnostic and therapeutic aids. Commonly used dyes include sodium fluorescein, indocyanine green, rose bengal and methylene blue. The properties of these agents are outlined, along with indications for their use. The article concentrates mainly on intravenous sodium fluorescein and fundus fluorescein angiography, although topical and intracameral use of other dyes is highlighted. Ocular tissue responses are discussed, in particular those of the retinal vasculature and choroidal circulation. The normal blood-retinal barriers and pathology of abnormal angiography findings is presented. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intravenous dye are discussed, along with potential systemic complications.

Identification of ocular surface squamous neoplasia by in vivo staining with methylene blue

“…Methylene blue is an acidophilic dye that is inexpensive, widely available and safe to use on the eye 14 15. It has been used as an in vivo stain to detect oral squamous cell carcinoma,16 gastric carcinoma17 and bladder carcinoma,18 as well as malignant changes in Barrett's oesophagus19 and ulcerative colitis 20.…”

Diagnostic Aids in Oral Cancer Screening

“…Rose bengal RB has been used to detect non-healthy epithelial mucosa such as ocular epithelium specially neoplasms (Kim 2000;Khan-Lim and Berry 2004;Wilson 2nd 1976;Singh et al 2004) . One study was conducted in 132 cases of oral OPLs and oral SCC with a refined 4-grades shade guide.…”

Documentation of corneal epithelial defects with fluorescein‐enhanced digital fundus camera photography

“…However, the observation and photography of a transparent structure, such as the cornea, still poses a significant challenge within ophthalmology. The clinical evaluation of corneal epithelial disorders is greatly facilitated through the use of fluorescein, a hydrophilic vital dye that is able to demonstrate areas of epithelial loss, and the extent of epithelial involvement in inflammatory disorders of the cornea, as well as monitoring epithelial healing 7,8 …”

“…The clinical evaluation of corneal epithelial disorders is greatly facilitated through the use of fluorescein, a hydrophilic vital dye that is able to demonstrate areas of epithelial loss, and the extent of epithelial involvement in inflammatory disorders of the cornea, as well as monitoring epithelial healing. 7,8 In order to increase the contrast resolution of fluorescence, it is necessary to block the unwanted blue reflected light with a barrier filter. Therefore, two filters are needed to best view fluorescence: a blue exciter filter (at around 470-490 nm) to stimulate fluorescence, and narrow bandpass green filter (centred around 530 nm) to visualize the fluorescence only, while blocking the blue light.…”