Adrenochrome staining of soft contact lenses.

A clinical case of adrenochrome staining of a soft contact lens is described. A laboratory model for such staining is then described in which a soft lens is boiled in a basic, saturated solution of L-DOPA. Repetition of this process in fresh solutions of L-DOPA can achieve any level of black staining desired. The lens can then be made transparent by immersing it in a 3% solution of hydrogen.