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Fluorescein Angiography |
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Retina Center Minnesota
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Fluorescein Angiography (FLOR-uh-seen an-jee-AHG-ruh-fee) is a common test performed in the office by a trained ocular photographer. A fluorescent dye is injected into a vein in your arm, which travels through blood vessels in your body, illuminating them. As the dye passes through the eye, a camera takes photographs of the retina.
Why is fluorescein angiography performed? This test helps your doctor see what is going on in the eye, and highlights any abnormalities that need treatment. Most commonly, fluorescein angiography helps to determine whether macular degeneration is present, and to distinguish between the dry and wet varieties of macular degeneration. There are many other common conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, macular edema, and central serous retinopathy for which this test provides valuable information.
How does the test occur? The technician will place a small needle into an arm vein and inject the dye. A special cameral will take pictures of your retina for the following 5 to 10 minutes. Often, pictures are taken of both eyes. The images from the test are collected digitally, so that the doctor can interpret the study and discuss the results with you while you are in the clinic.
Are there any side effects? Your eyes may be sensitive to light and your vision may be blurry due to the dilating eye drops and the flash photography. Sunglasses are very helpful for the next few hours. It is a good idea to have someone else drive you home after this test. After the fluorescein dye is injected, your skin may turn yellowish for several hours, and your urine will turn dark orange or yellow for up to 24 yours. Allergic reactions to fluorescein dye are rare. If they occur, you may experience a skin rash with itching, nausea, or breathing difficulty. This is usually treated with antihistamines, depending on the severity.
INDOCYANINE GREEN ANGIOGRAPHY is similar to fluorescein angiography except that a different dye (indocyanine green) is used. Indocyanine green dye is also very safe, but should be avoided in people who have a shellfish allergy. This test is less common than fluorescein angiography, but can be performed when additional information is needed. |
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Contact Us Tel: (612) 871-2292 (800) 233-8504 Fax: (612) 871-0195 staff@retinadocs.com |