Which of the following is a characteristic of Rose Bengal?

Rose Bengal is a vital diagnostic agent primarily used in ocular surface evaluations. Its most significant characteristic is its ability to selectively stain areas of the cornea and conjunctiva that are devitalized or damaged. This property makes it particularly useful for identifying corneal ulcers and other forms of epithelial damage. When applied to the eye, Rose Bengal binds to cells that have compromised cellular integrity, allowing clinicians to visualize affected areas that may not be readily apparent without staining.

While it is true that Rose Bengal can stain the corneal epithelium, it does not stain the entire corneal surface uniformly but rather highlights specific areas of injury. It also has some degree of toxicity and is not commonly used in patients with certain ocular surface conditions due to its potential to irritate the cornea.

The option regarding its administration route is incorrect as Rose Bengal is typically administered topically in the form of eye drops, not orally. Therefore, the most accurate characteristic of Rose Bengal is its use in identifying corneal ulcers, aligning with its established role in ocular diagnostics.