Rose Bengal is widely used in ophthalmology as a diagnostic stain to identify damaged cells on the surface of the eye, particularly in the detection of corneal abrasions and dry eye syndrome. It helps eye care professionals assess the health of the ocular surface by highlighting areas of epithelial cell loss or dysfunction.

In microbiology, Rose Bengal serves as a selective agent in culture media, such as Rose Bengal agar, to inhibit the growth of bacteria while promoting the growth of fungi, making it valuable for isolating and identifying fungal species in environmental or clinical samples.

Additionally, it is employed in photodynamic therapy for certain skin conditions and cancers. When activated by light, Rose Bengal generates reactive oxygen species that can destroy targeted cells, offering a potential treatment option for localized malignancies or infections.

In research, Rose Bengal is used as a fluorescent dye in various biological and biochemical assays to visualize cellular structures or track molecular interactions due to its ability to bind to proteins and other biomolecules. It is also applied in plant biology to study growth, photosynthesis, and substance movement within biological systems.

In environmental science, Rose Bengal acts as a tracer dye for studying water flow, pollution in water sources, and detecting oil spills at sea.

Note: While sometimes mentioned in industrial contexts, Rose Bengal is not typically used as a food color additive due to regulatory restrictions on its safety; its applications are primarily in diagnostics, research, and specialized therapies.