Systemically administered fluorescein is converted to fluorescein glucuronide. The conjugate is fluorescent and interferes with the measurement of fluorescein in the anterior chamber. Carboxyfluorescein is a hydrophilic derivative of fluorescein. In the rabbit, carboxyfluorescein is not converted as readily to a fluorescent metabolite. Thus, carboxyfluorescein has potential advantages as a quantitative fluorophore for studies of aqueous humor dynamics.