This patient presents with a few days history of ocular irritation. 

What is the diagnosis?

Answer
Herpetic keratitis.

What stain has been used and how should it be applied?

Answer
Rose Bengal stain. This stain causes ocular irritation and should
ideally be applied after the eye is aesthetized with a drop of topical anaesthetic such as benoxinate.

What is the advantage of this stain over fluorescein stain?

Answer
Rose Bengal stains not only the ulcerated areas but also the 
swollen infected epithelial cells surrounding the ulcer. Whereas
fluorescein stains only the areas with absent epithelium. 
In cases where the diagnosis is uncertain, Rose Bengal may help with the diagnosis.
 

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