How would you expect the mires to appear if you instill too much fluorescein prior to Goldmann tonometry?

When performing Goldmann tonometry, the appearance of the mires is significantly influenced by the amount of fluorescein dye used. If too much fluorescein is instilled, the mires will appear too thick. This occurs because an excess of fluorescein can create a more pronounced and darker blue coloration within the area being tested, leading to an inflated appearance of the mires due to the abundance of the dye.

This thickening can make it challenging to accurately assess intraocular pressure since the clarity of the mires becomes compromised. In optimal conditions, the dye should create a clear, well-defined mire that accurately reflects the baseline measurements required for precise tonometry. An excess of dye disturbs this balance, which could affect the timing and precision of the readings taken during the tonometry procedure.

Understanding the function of fluorescein in this context highlights the importance of using the appropriate amount for accurate diagnostic results in ophthalmic settings.