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

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