lissamine

Lissamine, most commonly encountered as lissamine green (often called lissamine green B), is a water-soluble anionic dye used as a vital stain in medicine and biology. It is valued for producing a bright green color and for its relative affinity for damaged or devitalized cells and mucosal surfaces. The dye is supplied for topical clinical use as ophthalmic solutions and in laboratory staining reagents.

In clinical practice, lissamine green is primarily used as an ocular surface stain. It helps visualize epithelial defects, damaged conjunctival and corneal tissue, and areas of mucous staining. It is commonly employed in the assessment of dry eye disease and other conditions affecting the ocular surface, either alone or in combination with other dyes such as fluorescein to differentiate staining patterns and tissue health.

Beyond ophthalmology, lissamine green has utility in laboratory settings as a staining agent in histology and cytology. As a dye, it can serve as a contrast stain to highlight certain cellular components or to differentiate live from damaged cells in specific protocols, depending on the staining methodology and the specimen being examined.

Safety and handling considerations are important. When used as directed in ophthalmic formulations, lissamine green is generally well tolerated, though it can cause mild, transient irritation, tearing, or stinging in some individuals. The dye can temporarily stain skin, mucous membranes, and clothing, and may stain contact lenses; appropriate precautions and timing for lens wear should be followed.

See also: Rose bengal, Fluorescein, Methylene blue.