Diagnostic ophthalmic dye Pregnancy: Safe for topical diagnostic use.

Fluorescein Sodium 2% Eye Drops

Brand names: Minims Fluorescein

Adult dose

Dose: 1–2 drops topically to each eye

Route: Ophthalmic

Frequency: Single application for examination

Max: Single-use minims only

Corneal abrasion / foreign body / ulcer detection: instil 1–2 drops of 2% fluorescein. Examine with cobalt blue or UV (Wood's lamp) light. Stains defective epithelium and disrupted corneal surface bright green.

Paediatric dose

Route: Ophthalmic

Frequency: Single application

Max: 1–2 drops

Same as adult. Safe in all ages including neonates. Use single-use minims to avoid contamination.

Dose adjustments

Renal

Not applicable (topical diagnostic).

Hepatic

Not applicable.

Clinical pearls

Gold standard for corneal abrasion, dendritiform ulceration (HSV), and foreign body assessment
Always use single-use minims (Pseudomonas aeruginosa rapidly colonises multidose bottles)
After fluorescein: flush with sterile saline before any further ophthalmic drops
Soft contact lenses: stained permanently — remove before instillation

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to fluorescein (very rare)
Do not use multidose bottle (contamination risk)

Side effects

Temporary yellow/orange discolouration of tears and skin
Mild transient stinging

Interactions

None significant for topical use

Monitoring

Document findings with slit lamp/magnified examination

Reference: BNFc; BNF; Emergency ophthalmology protocols. Verify against your local formulary and the latest BNF before prescribing.

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Pathways