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Periorbital urticaria and topical fluorescein
1University of Pittsburgh, Western Pennsylvania Hospital, USA.
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|September 3, 1998
Summary
Topical fluorescein, used in eye exams, can rarely cause allergic skin reactions like urticaria. This is the first reported case of such an adverse reaction to this common ophthalmic diagnostic agent.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Dermatology
- Allergy and Immunology
Background:
- Topical fluorescein is a standard diagnostic dye in ophthalmic examinations.
- Fluorescein angiography complications are known, but topical application adverse events are undocumented.
Observation:
- A patient presented with symptoms of urticaria following topical fluorescein application during an eye exam.
- This represents a previously unreported adverse reaction to fluorescein dye.
Findings:
- The case report details a direct link between topical fluorescein administration and the development of urticaria.
- This highlights a potential hypersensitivity reaction to fluorescein in susceptible individuals.
Implications:
- Ophthalmologists should be aware of the potential for allergic reactions, including urticaria, from topical fluorescein.
- Further investigation into the incidence and mechanisms of fluorescein-induced hypersensitivity may be warranted.
- Consideration of alternative diagnostic methods or pre-testing may be necessary for patients with a history of allergic reactions.