INDOCYANINE GREEN ANGIOGRAPHY WITH OCT MACULA

Indocyanine Green Angiography with OCT Macula is a combined advanced retinal imaging service that evaluates both blood flow and retinal structure at the back of the eye. This dual-modality test pairs dye-based vascular imaging with high-resolution optical scanning. As a result, your eye specialist can detect hidden macular and choroidal disease earlier and plan more precise treatment.

WHAT THIS SERVICE DOES

This combined test studies two critical layers of vision. Indocyanine green angiography maps the deeper choroidal blood vessels using a medical dye and a special camera. At the same time, OCT macula scanning uses light waves to produce cross-section images of the retinal layers. Therefore, your doctor sees both circulation and tissue structure in one coordinated evaluation.

Because these methods complement each other, the test often reveals problems that routine examination alone cannot fully explain.

WHEN DOCTORS RECOMMEND THIS TEST

Your ophthalmologist may advise this service when symptoms or prior scans suggest macular or choroidal disease. For example, it helps clarify uncertain findings and guides treatment decisions. Common indications include:

1. Age-related macular degeneration
2. Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy
3. Central serous chorioretinopathy
4. Diabetic macular edema
5. Unexplained macular fluid or bleeding
6. Suspected choroidal neovascularization

HOW THE PROCEDURE IS PERFORMED

First, staff members dilate your pupils using eye drops so the retina and macula can be viewed clearly. Next, a small intravenous line delivers indocyanine green dye through a vein in your arm. A specialized camera then captures timed images as the dye travels through the eye’s deeper vessels. Immediately before or after this step, OCT macula scans are taken using a non-contact imaging device.

You sit comfortably and focus on a target light during image capture. Most sessions finish within 20 to 30 minutes. Afterward, your doctor reviews both vascular and structural images together.

WHAT YOU MAY EXPERIENCE

Most patients complete the test without difficulty. You may notice a brief warm sensation during dye injection. In addition, your vision stays blurred for several hours because of dilation drops. Light sensitivity also increases temporarily, so sunglasses help after the visit. Driving right away is not recommended.

Your skin or urine may appear slightly darker or greenish for a short time. This effect is expected and fades naturally.

SAFETY AND LIMITATIONS

Indocyanine green dye has a strong safety record in ophthalmic imaging. However, mild nausea or injection-site discomfort can occur. Rare allergic reactions remain possible. For safety, trained personnel and emergency medicines are available during testing. You should report any prior dye allergy, asthma, pregnancy, kidney disease, or major medical condition before scheduling.

While this test provides detailed information, results must still be interpreted together with clinical examination and other findings.

CLINICAL VALUE FOR PATIENT CARE

By combining indocyanine green angiography with OCT macula imaging, your ophthalmologist gains a more complete map of disease activity. Consequently, treatment planning becomes more accurate and targeted. Earlier and clearer diagnosis often supports better visual outcomes and safer long-term monitoring.