This is a difficult technique for the novice. Furthermore, it is of limited use during clinical evaluation because of the low magnification available on most slit-lamps and the small area of corneal endothelium that can be viewed at any one time. Assessment of the corneal endothelium when symptoms or signs suggest the possibility of corneal endothelial dysfunction.
Fluorescein is an orange dye that fluoresces green when illuminated with a cobalt filter. Areas of corneal or conjunctival epithelial damage will exhibit fluorescein dye uptake and will appear bright green. This positive fluorescein staining will help to identify the extent and distribution of ep...
Wratten 12 filters are yellow and absorb reflected blue light while transmitting green light. Fluorescein staining becomes more obvious.
The tear layer is comprised of the outer lipid layer, middle aqueous layer, and inner mucin layer. The tear film can be stained with fluorescein dye and then observed with the slit-lamp for tear break up and tear meniscus height.
