Health Encyclopedia

Fluorescein angiography

Definition

Fluorescein angiography is an eye test that uses an special dye and camera to look at blood flow in the retina and choroid.

Alternative Names

Retinal photography; Eye angiography

How the test is performed

Eye drops that make the pupil dilate will be given. 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 are taken, a special dye called fluorescein is injected into your vein, usually at the bend of the elbow. A special camera takes pictures of the dye as it moves through the blood vessels in the back of the eye.

More photographs are taken up to 20 minutes after the injection.

How to prepare for the test

You will need someone to drive you home, because your vision may be blurred up to 12 hours after the test.

You may be told to discontinue drugs that could affect the test. results. Tell your health care provide about any allergies, particularly reactions to iodine.

You must sign an informed consent form. You must remove contact lenses before the test.

Tell the health care provider if you may be pregnant.

How the test will feel

When the needle is inserted , some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

When the dye is injected, you may have mild nausea and a warm sensation. These symptoms are usually very brief.

Why the test is performed

This test is used to determine if there is proper circulation in the blood vessels of the retina. It can also be used to diagnose problems in the eye or to determine how well treatment is working.

Normal Values

A normal result means the vessels appear a normal size 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
Cancer
Diabetic or other retinopathy
Inflammation or edema
Macular degeneration
Microaneurysms -- enlargement of capillaries in the retina
Tumors
Swelling of the optic disc

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

What the risks are

There is a slight chance of infection any time the skin is broken. Rarely, a person is hypersensitive to the dye and may experience:

Dizziness or faintness
Dry mouth or increased salivation
Hives
Increased heart rate
Metallic taste in mouth
Nausea and vomiting
Sneezing

Serious allergic reactions are rare.

Your urine will be darker, and possibly orange in color, for a day or two after the test.

Special considerations

People with cataracts will have less accurate test results.

References

Yanoff M, Duker JS, Augsburger JJ, et al. eds. Ophthalmology. 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2004:800-805.

Singh AD, Rundle PA, Rennie I. Retinal vascular tumors. Ophthalmol Clin North Am. 2005 Mar;18(1):167-76, x.

Review Date:8/22/2008
Reviewed By:Paul B. Griggs, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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