[4][5] When given by mouth or injection into a vein it is used to help evaluate the blood vessels in the back of the eye during fluorescein angiography.

[3][6] When applied to the surface of the eye, side effects may include a brief period of blurry vision and discoloration of contact lenses of the soft type.

[7][3] When used by mouth or injection, side effects may include headache, nausea, and a change to the color of the skin for a brief period of time.

[3] Fluorescein is a dye which is taken up by damaged cornea such that the area appears green under cobalt blue light.

[10] It is also sold as a combination drug with oxybuprocaine under the brand name Altafluor Benox.