A key component to diagnosis and management of many eye diseases is to determine if there are abnormalities in blood vessels that line the back of the eye in the retina. Fluorescein Angiography (FA) allows for visualization of blood vessel and other abnormalities in the retina. This can be very helpful in the management of many ocular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy or age-related macular degeneration.
In this imaging procedure, a small amount of dye is injected into a vein in the patient’s arm. As the dye circulates through the blood vessels in the eye, pictures are taken so abnormal blood vessels and areas of blockage and leakage can be identified. These photos are very useful to physicians to help with diagnosis and guide treatment of many ocular diseases.
This imaging procedure is done through a dilated pupil. The fluorescein dye causes a brief harmless discoloration of the urine and skin for up to 24-48 hours. Adverse reactions are very rare but can include nausea, vomiting, and hives. Your eye doctor at the Eye Institute will be able to view your test within minutes of its completion.