Observation of corneal epithelial disturbance through soft contact lens using fluorescein dextran

Purpose. To confirm the usefulness of fluorescein dextran as a vital dye fo r observing corneal epithelial disturbance through a medical-use soft conta ct lens. Methods. Ten percent fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC-dext ran) was used as the staining dye. Patients with corneal epithelial disturb ance who were wearing therapeutic soft contact lenses were observed using F ITC-dextran. Results. Through the soft contact lens, FITC-dextran enabled c orneal disturbance observation similar to that seen with sodium fluorescein . In a case of corneal perforation, as well, positive Seidel's test was con firmed through the soft contact lens using this technique. Conclusion. FITC -dextran is considered a useful dye for examining the corneal epithelial co ndition without contact lens removal.