FLUORESCEIN ANGIOGRAPHY

What Is Fluorescein Angiography?

Fluorescein angiography is a diagnostic procedure which uses a special camera to take a series of photographs of the retina, the light sensitive tissue in the back of the eye.

A special water-soluble dye (fluorescein) is injected into a vein in the arm or given by mouth to drink. The dye travels through the veins and into the arteries which circulate throughout the body. As the dye passes through the blood vessels of the retina, a special camera flashes a blue light into the eye and takes multiple photographs of the retina.

If the blood vessels are abnormal, the dye may leak into the retina or stain the blood vessels. Damage to the lining underneath the retina or the appearance of abnormal new blood vessels growing beneath the retina may also be revealed. The precise location of these abnormalities can be determined by a careful interpretation of the fluorescein angiogram by your eye doctor.

Why Is Fluorescein Angiography Done?

If after examining your eyes your eye doctor suspects abnormalities in the back of the eye, he or she may recommend fluorescein angiography. It is often done to follow the course of disease and monitor treatment results.

Diabetes, the leading cause of blindness in patients under the age of 55, can cause the blood vessels of the retina to leak fluid or blood. In some cases, these abnormalities can be treated with a laser to help prevent loss of vision.

Age related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in patients over the age of 55. In some cases, small leaking blood vessels can be seen under the retina which can be treated with a laser in an attempt to prevent severe visual loss.

Without the help of fluorescein angiography, your eye doctor would not be able to thoroughly diagnose these and other abnormalities.

What Are The Risks Of Fluorescein Angiography?

After the fluorescein dye is injected, your skin may turn yellowish for several hours. This color disappears as the dye is filtered out of the body by the kidneys. Because the dye is removed by the kidneys, your urine may turn dark orange for several hours following the test.

Some individuals may experience nausea during the procedure, but this usually passes within a few minutes. If the dye leaks out of a fragile vein during the injection, some localized burning and yellow staining of the skin may occur.

Allergic reactions to fluorescein dye are rare. If they occur, they may cause a skin rash and itching. This is usually treated with oral or injectable antihistamines, depending on the severity of the symptoms. Even more rarely, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) can occur and be life threatening.

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