Which ophthalmic dye is used to perform a Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT) test?

The Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT) test evaluates the stability of the tear film over the ocular surface, which is crucial for maintaining comfort and function in the eye. Fluorescein is the preferred dye for this test due to its properties as a water-soluble stain that can easily highlight areas of the cornea and conjunctiva.

When fluorescein is applied to the eye, it preferentially stains damaged epithelial cells and allows for visualization of the tear film's stability. After applying fluorescein, the patient is asked to keep their eyes open and blink normally. The time taken for the first break in the tear film to occur is measured, providing an indication of tear film stability. If the tear film breaks up too quickly, this may indicate dry eye or other ocular surface disorders.

While other dyes like Lissamine green and Rose bengal can also be used to assess ocular surface health, they are more often employed to stain devitalized cells or to identify specific conditions rather than for measuring tear film stability directly. Fluress, a combination of fluorescein and a topical anesthetic, may have different applications and is not typically the primary choice for the TBUT test itself.

Thus, fluorescein is specifically effective for this purpose