Ophthalmic diagnostic agents

What are Ophthalmic diagnostic agents?

Ophthalmic diagnostic agents are given intravenously to perform diagnostic fluorescein angiography or angioscopy of the retina and iris vasculature. A few preparations also contain a local anesthetic to reduce pain in the nerves of the eyes.

Ophthalmic diagnostics are fluorescent substances known as disclosing agents, which help diagnose and treat certain eye conditions.

Sodium Fluorescein. This dye has been extensively used in the ocular diagnostics. Sodium fluorescein is a water-soluble salt of fluorescein, with empirical formula (C₂₀H₁₀Na₂ O₅) and of molecular weight 376 g/mol.

It tests the function of the retina, optic nerve and visual pathways to the brain. The Humphrey Visual Field (HVF) and Goldmann Visual Field (GVF) are two different instruments that measure a two-dimensional map of a patient’s entire area of vision.

Laser and optical diagnostic techniques allow the researcher the ability to measure flow and combustion properties such as velocity, pressure, density, temperature and species without altering the flow field.

The commonly used ocular diagnostic drugs in basic eye examinations are fluorescein dye, local anaesthetics, miotic and mydriatic/cycloplegic drugs.