fluorescein

Fluorescein is a synthetic organic compound and fluorophore used primarily as a diagnostic dye in ophthalmology. It is most commonly administered intravenously or topically to aid in the visualization of blood vessels and tissue structures during procedures such as fluorescein angiography or angioscopy of the retina and iris vasculature. When exposed to blue light (465–490 nm), it emits a yellowish-green fluorescence (520–530 nm), allowing clinicians to demarcate vascular areas from adjacent tissues. Topical application helps detect corneal abrasions, ulcers, herpetic infections, and dry eye; intravenous use enables diagnosis and monitoring of retinal diseases like macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy[1][2][3][4][5]. The mechanism of action is purely physical—fluorescein acts as a fluorescent marker without direct pharmacological activity on biological targets[1][2]. It is rapidly distributed after administration (volume of distribution ~0.5 L/kg) with high protein binding (~85%) and undergoes hepatic conjugation before renal excretion[1][7].

Brand names

Ak-fluorAltafluorDiofluorFluoresciteFluressBio GloFluor-I-Strips A.T.Ful-GloGloStrips

Other names

fluorescein sodium