Amcon Labs’ Fluorescein Sodium Test Strips:
Fluorescein GloStrips® are Amcon Laboratories’ brand of fluorescein sodium test strips. Fluorescein sodium test strips are a diagnostic test used to check the eye’s surface. They can check for scratches, and corneal and conjunctiva problems, evaluate contact lens fitting, and applanation tonometry.
Amcon GloStrips® are manufactured in the United States at an FDA-regulated, state-of-the-art facility in St. Louis, Missouri. Amcon prides itself on only selling fluorescein sodium test strips manufactured United States while maintaining a competitive price in the ophthalmic diagnostic supplies arena.
The benefit of Purchasing an Ophthalmic Pharmaceutical from an FDA-Regulated Facility
The FDA ensures the quality of drug products by carefully monitoring drug manufacturers’ compliance with its Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) regulations. The CGMP regulations for drugs contain minimum requirements for the methods, facilities, and controls used in the manufacturing, processing, and packing of a drug product. The regulations make sure that a product is safe for use, and that it has the ingredients and strength it claims to have.
Fluorescein Sodium Test Strip Composition
The actual strip is made up of sterilized filter paper and has a fluorescein sodium (dark orange dye) impregnated tip. The fluorescein sodium dye is administered to the eye by pulling down on the lower lid and gently touching the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane that covers the front of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids, with the dye-impregnated strip tip. The patient is then instructed to blink several times to spread the dye across the cornea.
Measuring Fluorescein Strip Test Results
The results of a fluorescein strip test can be seen with a slit lamp while looking through a cobalt-blue filter. In a healthy eye, the dye appears to spread evenly across the cornea and the eye’s surface. If the eye has an abrasion to the cornea or a foreign body in the eye the dye will not spread uniformly but be more concentrated in these areas.
If the results of a fluorescein sodium test show any irregularities, further tests may be necessary. This is imperative to determine if there is an underlying condition causing the eye health issue. In cases where an abrasion or foreign body has been identified, treatment will typically involve lubrication and antibiotic eyedrops. More severe conditions such as corneal ulcers may require additional treatments such as antibiotics or steroids.
Fluorescein Sodium in Fitting Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses
The results of a fluorescein sodium test will provide information about areas where an RGP contact lens is in direct contact with the eye, or if there is an insufficient tear volume between the lens and cornea. The amount of fluorescein indicates whether there is a gap between the eye and contact lens where tears can pass through or if direct contact is occurring. If an area of the cornea shows more than 0-2 millimeters of fluorescent staining, this may indicate insufficient clearance or a need for adjustment of the lens parameters or material. If an area of the cornea shows less than 0-2 millimeters of fluorescent staining, this may indicate a tight fit or direct contact between the lens and the eye.
Amcon GloStrips® can be purchased at amconlabs.com or by calling Amcon’s toll-free number 1.800.255.6161. They are available in 0.6mg and 1.0mg strengths – 100 or 300 count boxes. Since fluorescein test strips are an FDA-regulated drug, Amcon must have a copy of the practitioner’s therapeutic license on file before selling fluorescein strips or any other ophthalmic pharmaceuticals.
