Fluorescein Angiography | AHMC

WHAT IS FLUORESCEIN ANGIOGRAPHY

Fluorescein angiography is a specialized retinal imaging test that allows your eye doctor to study blood flow inside the retina and choroid. During the procedure, a safe fluorescent dye is injected into a vein in your arm. Soon after, a rapid camera system takes a series of photographs as the dye travels through the blood vessels of the eye. As a result, areas of leakage, blockage, or abnormal vessel growth become clearly visible.

This test supports early and accurate diagnosis. Therefore, it plays a key role in protecting vision and guiding timely treatment.

WHY FLUORESCEIN ANGIOGRAPHY IS DONE

Your ophthalmologist may recommend fluorescein angiography to evaluate retinal and macular diseases that affect vision. For example, it helps confirm findings seen on clinical examination and OCT scans. In addition, it shows whether blood vessels leak, close, or grow abnormally.

Common reasons for testing include:

1. Diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema
2. Age-related macular degeneration
3. Retinal vein or artery occlusion
4. Central serous chorioretinopathy
5. Inflammatory and infectious retinal disease

HOW THE PROCEDURE WORKS

First, your pupils are dilated using eye drops so the retina can be fully viewed. Next, a small amount of fluorescein dye is injected into a vein in your arm or hand. Shortly after injection, the dye reaches the eye within seconds. A retinal camera then captures timed photographs over several minutes.

You simply sit in front of the camera and keep your head steady. Bright flashes will occur; however, each flash lasts only a moment. The full test usually finishes within 10 to 15 minutes. Afterward, you can go home, although blurred near vision from dilation may persist for a few hours.

WHAT YOU MAY FEEL AFTER THE TEST

Most patients tolerate fluorescein angiography well. Still, a few temporary effects can occur. For instance, your skin may look slightly yellow for several hours. In addition, your urine often appears bright yellow or orange for up to one day as the dye leaves your body.

Some patients notice mild nausea shortly after injection. However, this feeling usually passes quickly. Serious allergic reactions are rare, yet emergency support is always available when the test is performed in a medical facility.

BENEFITS AND CLINICAL VALUE

Fluorescein angiography provides dynamic, real-time information that standard photographs cannot show. Consequently, your doctor can localize leakage, measure disease severity, and choose the most effective treatment. It also helps monitor response after injections, laser treatment, or surgery.

Because management decisions depend on accurate vascular detail, this test often changes or refines the treatment plan.

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTES

Please inform your doctor if you have a history of dye allergy, asthma, severe kidney disease, or prior reaction to angiography. Also, advise the clinic if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your doctor will then assess suitability and discuss alternatives if needed.