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Fluorescein angiography
Retinal photography; Eye angiography; Retinopathy - fluorescein
Fluorescein angiography is an eye test that uses a special dye and camera to look at blood flow in the retina and choroid . These are the two layers in the back of the eye.
Retina
The retina is the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eyeball. Images that come through the eye's lens are focused on the retina. Th...
Choroid
The choroid is the layer of blood vessels and connective tissue between the white of the eye and retina (at the back of the eye). It is part of the ...
How the Test is Performed
You will be given eye drops that make your pupil dilate. You will be asked to place your chin on a chin rest and your forehead against a support bar to keep your head still during the test.
The health care provider will take pictures of the inside of your eye. After the first group of pictures is taken, a dye called fluorescein is injected into a vein. Most often it is injected at the inside of your elbow. A camera-like device takes pictures as the dye moves through the blood vessels in the back of your eye.
How to Prepare for the Test
You will need someone to drive you home. Your vision may be blurry for up to 12 hours after the test.
You may be told to stop taking medicines that could affect the test results. Tell your provider about any allergies, particularly reactions to iodine.
You must sign an informed consent form. You must remove contact lenses before the test.
Tell the provider if you may be pregnant.
How the Test will Feel
When the needle is inserted, some people feel slight pain. Other others feel only a prick or sting. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
When the dye is injected, you may have mild nausea and a warm feeling in your body. These symptoms go away quickly most of the time.
The dye will cause your urine to be darker. It may be orange in color for a day or two after the test.
Why the Test is Performed
This test is done to see if there is proper blood flow in the blood vessels in the two layers in the back of your eye (the retina and choroid).
It can also be used to diagnose problems in the eye or to determine how well certain eye treatments are working.
Normal Results
A normal result means the vessels appear a normal size, there are no new abnormal vessels, and there are no blockages or leakages.
What Abnormal Results Mean
If blockage or leakage is present, the pictures will map the location for possible treatment.
An abnormal value on a fluorescein angiography may be due to:
- Blood flow (circulatory) problems, such as blockage of the arteries or veins
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Cancer
Cancer
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Diabetic or other retinopathy
- High blood pressure
-
Inflammation or
edema
Edema
Swelling is the enlargement of organs, skin, or other body parts. It is caused by a buildup of fluid in the tissues. The extra fluid can lead to a ...
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Macular degeneration
Macular degeneration
Macular degeneration is an eye disorder that slowly destroys sharp, central vision. This makes it difficult to see fine details and read. The diseas...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Microaneurysms -- enlargement of capillaries in the retina
-
Tumors
Tumors
A tumor is an abnormal growth of body tissue. Tumors can be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign).
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Swelling of the optic disc
The test may also be done if you have:
-
Retinal detachment
Retinal detachment
Retinal detachment is a separation of the light-sensitive membrane (retina) in the back of the eye from its supporting layers.
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Retinitis pigmentosa
Retinitis pigmentosa
Retinitis pigmentosa is an eye disease in which there is damage to the retina. The retina is the layer of tissue at the back of the inner eye. This...
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Risks
There is a slight chance of infection any time the skin is broken. Rarely, a person is overly sensitive to the dye and may experience:
- Dizziness or faintness
- Dry mouth or increased salivation
-
Hives
Hives
Hives are raised, often itchy, red bumps (welts) on the surface of the skin. They are usually an allergic reaction to food or medicine. They can al...
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Increased
heart rate
Heart rate
The pulse is the number of heartbeats per minute.
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- Nausea and vomiting
- Sneezing
Serious allergic reactions are rare.
Considerations
The test results are harder to interpret in people with cataracts.
References
Maguire JI, Federman JL. Intravenous fluorescein angiography. In: Tasman W, Jaeger EA, eds. Duane's Ophthalmology 2013 edition . Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2013:vol 3, chap 4.
Velez-Montoya R, Olson JL, Mandava N. Fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 6.6.
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Retinal dye injection - illustration
Retinal dye injection is used to determine if there is proper circulation in the retinal vessels in the eye. When dye is injected in a vein in the arm, a rapid series of photographs are taken. Among other things this test can detect problems such as blockages or tumors.
Retinal dye injection
illustration
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Retinal dye injection - illustration
Retinal dye injection is used to determine if there is proper circulation in the retinal vessels in the eye. When dye is injected in a vein in the arm, a rapid series of photographs are taken. Among other things this test can detect problems such as blockages or tumors.
Retinal dye injection
illustration
Review Date: 8/20/2016
Reviewed By: Franklin W. Lusby, MD, ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
