Yellow Drops

On almost every patient that I see, I start my exam by instilling yellow drops in their eyes. Many patients wonder what purpose they serve.

The yellow color comes from fluorescein, a dye that allows me to look at the tears in the eye. Normally, the tear film is clear, so it is harder to see than if it is stained yellow. The drops also contain a mild anesthetic, which can help make the exam more comfortable.

Although the yellow dye may temporarily discolor the tears or the skin around the eyes, it is harmless and disappears within a short time.