Fluorescein angiography is
an eye test
that uses a special dye and camera to look at blood flow in the retina and choroid. These are the two layers in the back of the eye.
What is the purpose of the fluorescein angiography?
Fluorescein Angiography (FA) is a diagnostic procedure that
uses a special camera to record the blood flow in the RETINA – the light sensitive tissue at the back of the eye
. The test does not involve any direct contact with the eyes.
What types of diseases of the eye are best diagnosed using an angiogram?
- macular edema (swelling in the retina that distorts vision)
- diabetic retinopathy (damaged or abnormal blood vessels in the eye caused by diabetes)
- macular degeneration.
- blockage of veins inside the eye, called BRVO or CRVO.
When is fluorescein angiography used?
Fluorescein angiography looks at the blood flow to your retina and the rest of your eye. Your eye doctor may recommend it for reasons like: To
diagnose, confirm, or rule out a retinal disease
, including eye melanoma (cancer) To figure out if an eye treatment is working.
How long does fluorescein angiography last?
It is common for the fluorescein dye to cause your urine and skin to become yellow. It can last
up to 48 hours
.
Is fluorescein safe for kidneys?
Fluorescent angiography (FAG) with fluorescein sodium dye is
generally considered to be safe for patients with kidney diseases
.
What are the side effects of fluorescein angiography?
The most common reactions associated with the fluorescein dye are
nausea, vomiting, or hives
. 3 Some people may also experience dry mouth, a metallic taste in the mouth, increased salivation (saliva overproduction), sneezing, or an increased heart rate.
Is fluorescein angiography painful?
Extravasation (the dye is forced from the blood vessel into surrounding tissue) of fluorescein dye during the injection can be a serious complication of angiography and
can be quite painful due to the pH
.
Are you awake for an angiogram?
The angiography procedure
For the test:
you’ll usually be awake
, but general anaesthetic (where you’re asleep) may be used for young children. a small cut is made in the skin over 1 of your arteries, usually near your groin or wrist – local anaesthetic is used to numb the area so it does not hurt.
What symptoms might be present in someone with diabetic retinopathy?
The abnormal blood vessels associated with diabetic retinopathy stimulate the growth of scar tissue, which can pull the retina away from the back of the eye. This can cause
spots floating in your vision, flashes of light or severe vision loss
.
Can I eat before fluorescein angiography?
Fluorescein Angiography can help your doctor diagnosis and treat many retinal problems. Be
sure to eat before you come to the Clinic
. You DO NOT need to fast for this test. Continue to take all of your regular medications.
How long does fluorescein stay in your system?
The most common reaction is temporary yellowish discoloration of the skin and urine. Urine may attain a bright yellow color. Discoloration of the skin usually fades in 6 to 12 hours and usually fades in urine
in 24 to 36 hours
.
Is fluorescein safe?
Conclusion: Fluorescein has been used for many years in medicine for diagnostic purposes and
is widely safe
, albeit intravenous bolus injection may cause serious adverse reactions.
Which part of the body does angiography deal with?
Angiography is used to
check the health of your blood vessels and how blood flows through them
. It can help to diagnose or investigate several problems affecting blood vessels, including: atherosclerosis – narrowing of the arteries, which could mean you’re at risk of having a stroke or heart attack.
Can you drive after fluorescein?
Do not drive after the test until the effects of the eye drops
, used to make your pupil larger, have worn off. This may take around 6 hours but sometimes the effects may linger on until the next day.
Why do eye doctors put dye in your eyes?
The dye
highlights the blood vessels in the back of the eye so they can be photographed
. This test is often used to manage eye disorders. Your doctor may order it to confirm a diagnosis, determine an appropriate treatment, or monitor the condition of the vessels in the back of your eye.
