Fluorescein angiography is a diagnostic test that uses a fluorescent dye and camera to take pictures of the retina to determine if blood vessels are receiving adequate circulation. The procedure involves eye drops, injection of the dye, and taking pictures. Adverse reactions are possible, but fleeting. Abnormal results can indicate diabetes, macular degeneration, optic disc swelling, or circulatory problems. Treatment can be monitored with additional procedures.
Fluorescein angiography, also called ocular angiography and retinal photography, is a diagnostic test of the eye that uses a specific fluorescent dye and a special camera to take pictures of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue located at the back of the eye. This specialized procedure is used primarily to determine whether the blood vessels in the retina are receiving adequate circulation. Fluorescein angiography may also be performed to ensure a permanent record of the eye’s retinal vessels, to assist a physician in confirming a diagnosis, or to provide appropriate treatment guidelines.
The process of fluorescein angiography begins when eye drops are placed into the eye to encourage dilation of the pupil. The first series of photographs of the inside of the eye are then taken. Next, a water-soluble yellow dye called fluorescein sodium will be injected into a vein in your arm or hand. A highly fluorescent chemical compound, fluorescein attracts blue light with fluorescence. After the fluorescein is injected, a special camera that emits blue light takes another batch of pictures as the dye travels through the blood vessels in the retina. Scans are performed quickly, over a period of 60 seconds. Additional scans may be performed up to 20 minutes after the fluorescein injection.
An invasive procedure, 5 to 10% of patients with fluorescein angiography report adverse reactions, with nausea and vomiting being the most common complaints. Many patients report moderate pain when the needle is inserted into the arm and also feel a warm sensation when the dye enters the body. These symptoms, however, are fleeting. After the injection of fluorescent dye, the skin may have a yellowish tone for several hours. Patients will also experience a change in urine color a day or two after the procedure, with urine that is darker and potentially orange in color. Patients should be prepared to experience blurred vision for up to twelve hours after fluorescein angiography.
Fluoscein angiography that produces normal results means that there are no leaks or blockages in the vessels of the retina and that the vessels appear to be of typical size. An abnormal fluorescein angiography result can be due to many factors, including diabetes, macular degeneration, optic disc swelling, and circulatory problems. Both diabetes and macular degeneration can cause fluid or blood to leak from blood vessels in the retina. Fortunately with laser treatment, retinal abnormalities due to these diseases can be successfully repaired, and treatment results can be monitored with additional fluorescein angiography procedures.
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