Lissamine green
Dilation & diagnostic · OTC
Trade namesLissamine green strips
Drug classDiagnostic dye, vital stain
StrengthStrips (1.5 mg)
AvailabilityOTC
Mechanism of actionAnionic dye that stains devitalized, degenerate or poorly mucin-protected epithelial cells and exposed basement membrane; better tolerated than rose bengal with essentially no stinging.
Indication / reason for useOcular surface disease grading, conjunctival and corneal staining in dry eye (Oxford / van Bijsterveld schemes), lid-wiper epitheliopathy, superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis, conjunctivochalasis, exposure.
Usual adult dosingWet the strip and apply to the inferior fornix; assess conjunctiva at 1-4 min under white light (a red-free filter enhances contrast).
PreservativePreservative-free strips , a preservative-free option exists
Contact lensesRemove soft lenses before use; can lightly stain lenses. Reinsert after the exam.
Common / important adverse effectsMinimal, occasional very mild irritation.
Contraindications & cautionsNone significant.
Pregnancy / lactationLow risk.
Practice notesThe dye of choice for conjunctival staining in DED, comfortable and sensitive. View promptly; conjunctival staining fades within minutes.
Chair-side reference only. Dosing, contraindications and pregnancy guidance here are not exhaustive. Confirm against the current prescribing information and the patient’s full history before prescribing or advising.