Fluorescein Angiography + Indocyanine Green Angiography

WHAT IS INDOCYANINE GREEN ANGIOGRAPHY WITH FLUORESCEIN ANGIOGRAPHY

Indocyanine Green Angiography with Fluorescein Angiography is an advanced eye imaging test that evaluates blood flow in the retina and choroid, the light-sensitive and vascular layers at the back of the eye. It uses two safe medical dyes injected into a vein in the arm and a special camera that takes rapid photographs as the dyes circulate through the eye’s blood vessels.

Fluorescein highlights the retinal circulation, while indocyanine green allows clearer visualization of the deeper choroidal circulation. When performed together, these tests provide a more complete vascular map and help your eye specialist detect hidden or complex disease.

WHY THIS TEST IS DONE

Your ophthalmologist may recommend this combined angiography study when detailed vascular imaging is needed to diagnose, confirm, or guide treatment. It is commonly used for:

1. Macular degeneration and abnormal new vessels
2. Central serous chorioretinopathy
3. Diabetic eye disease
4. Inflammatory and autoimmune retinal conditions
5. Unexplained retinal or subretinal fluid or bleeding

This test helps determine the exact location, extent, and activity of abnormal vessels and leakage.

HOW THE PROCEDURE WORKS

Your pupils are dilated using eye drops. A small intravenous line is placed in your arm or hand. Fluorescein dye is injected first, followed by indocyanine green dye. A specialized camera takes a sequence of images over several minutes as the dyes pass through the eye’s circulation.

You will be asked to keep your head steady and look at a target light during image capture. The procedure is performed in the clinic and usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

WHAT YOU MAY FEEL

Most patients tolerate the test well. You may notice:

– A brief warm sensation after dye injection
– Temporary yellowish skin tone from fluorescein
– Greenish tint on early images from indocyanine dye
– Bright camera flashes during photography

Your urine may appear darker or more brightly colored for up to one day as the dye is naturally cleared from your body.

SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONS

Both dyes are widely used and generally safe. Mild side effects such as nausea or dizziness can occur but usually pass quickly. Allergic reactions are uncommon but possible. Severe reactions are rare and emergency medications and equipment are available on site.

Tell your doctor if you have a history of dye allergy, asthma, severe kidney or liver disease, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

CLINICAL VALUE

Combined indocyanine green and fluorescein angiography provides high-value diagnostic information that often cannot be obtained from routine examination alone. The results support accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and ongoing monitoring of retinal and choroidal diseases.