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Fluorescein angiography

Definition

Fluorescein angiography is an eye test that uses an special dye and camera to evaluate the blood circulation in the retina and choroid.

Alternative Names

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 Results

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:

• Diabetic or other retinopathy
• Macular degeneration
• Cancer
• Tumors
• Circulatory problems
• Inflammation or edema
• Microaneurysms -- enlargement of capillaries in the retina
• Swelling of the optic disc

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

• Retinal detachment
• Retinal vessel occlusion
• Retinitis pigmentosa

Risks

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.

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.

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