Sign up with Facebook- Health A to Z
- Healthy Living
Fluorescein angiography
Definition
Fluorescein angiography is an eye test that uses a 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.
Fluorescein Angiography Images
