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How to perform a fluoroscein stain dye test | VETgirl Veterinary CE Videos

In this VETgirl video, we are demonstrating a fluorescein dye test which is used to detect the presence of corneal ulceration. This test uses a orange water-soluble dye which gives an intense green fluorescent color when viewed under a cobalt blue light. A normal cornea with an intact epithelium will not retain this dye as the epithelium prevents absorption of the dye. Any break in the epithelial layer will allow the dye to become absorbed by the corneal stroma and will appear bright green.

As you can see in this video, the moistened dye strip is touched gently onto the upper conjunctiva, and not directly onto the cornea which can cause damage. The eyelids are blinked to spread the dye across the cornea, and then sterile eye wash is used to flush the surface of the eye. True stain uptake by a corneal ulcer cannot be rinsed away, however rinising excessive residual stain is important to prevent misinterpretation of stain uptake.

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