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Fluorescein Strip

Fluorescein Strip Electroretinograph (ERG) Ultrasound (Ocular Ultrasonography) Veterinary Tonometer Ocular Speculum Nasolacrimal Duct Probe Fundus Camera Cryotherapy Veterinary Retinoscope Veterinary Ophthalmoscope Microkeratome (Keratotome) in Veterinary Medicine Eye Image Analysis Device

A fluorescein strip is one of the most widely used and important tools in veterinary ophthalmology, used to assess the health of the corneal surface and the tear ducts in animals. This tool appears as a thin strip made of paper or cellulose, with its tip impregnated with a special dye called Fluorescein Sodium. In its dry form, this dye looks orange or dark yellow, but when it comes into contact with fluid (such as tears or normal saline), it turns a bright green and fluoresces clearly under cobalt blue light.

In veterinary medicine, this test is one of the first and simplest methods for examining surface problems of the eye. Since animals cannot express discomfort or eye irritation, the veterinarian can use fluorescein to quickly determine whether the cornea is damaged, ulcerated, or if the tear duct is blocked.

Because of its high safety, low cost, and simplicity, fluorescein strips are used in almost all ophthalmic examinations of animals from dogs and cats to horses and even birds.

Applications of the Fluorescein Strip in Veterinary Ophthalmology:

 

  1. Diagnosis of Corneal Ulcers (Corneal Ulcer)
  • This is its most important use.
  • Fluorescein dye adheres only to the damaged layers of the cornea, causing the affected area to glow bright green under blue light.
  • This test helps identify scratches, ulcers, or superficial perforations in the cornea.
  1. Assessment of Wound Leakage (Seidel Test)
  • When corneal perforation is suspected, fluorescein is applied to the wound.
  • If clear fluid leaks from the area, the dye becomes diluted, indicating leakage.
  1. Evaluation of Tear Duct Patency (Nasolacrimal Duct Patency Test)
  • Fluorescein dye is instilled into the eye.
  • If the tear duct is open, the dye will appear at the animal’s nostril after a few minutes.
  • If blocked, the dye will not reach the nose.
  1. Assessment of Contact Lens Fit or Foreign Body Contact
  • Helps detect abnormal contact or damage to the corneal surface.

Advantages of the Fluorescein Strip:

 

  • Fast, inexpensive, and painless
  • Suitable for both small and large animals (dogs, cats, horses, and even birds)
  • Provides accurate diagnostic information within seconds

How to Use a Fluorescein Strip?

  1. The animal is gently restrained.
  2. The tip of the strip is moistened with a drop of normal saline.
  3. It is lightly touched to the inner surface of the lower eyelid so a small amount of dye transfers to the tear film.
  4. The animal blinks several times to distribute the dye over the cornea.
  5. The eye surface is examined under cobalt blue light (Cobalt Blue Filter).