What is fluorescein angiography?
Fluorescein angiography is a photographic test using a special camera to take pictures of the retina inside the eye. A dye is injected into a vein in the arm. As the dye courses through the retina, many photographs are taken. These photographs reveal exquisite details of the retina. In patients whose veins are difficult to access, oral fluorescein angiography may be considered.
Why is fluorescein angiography ordered?
After a complete examination of your eyes, the Eye MD may recommend fluorescein angiography to help establish a diagnosis or help to monitor results of treatment. Very often a fluorescein angiogram helps in choosing the best treatment for a particular condition. For example, if the Eye MD sees a leakage of fluid in the retina, the fluorescein angiogram will help determine the source of leakage, so that treatment can be directed appropriately. Similarly, the end of treatment may be determined by repeating the fluorescein angiogram to see if the leakage has been stopped.
What are the side effects of fluorescein angiography?
Usually after fluorescein angiography the skin turns yellowish for several hours from the dye. Because the dye leaves the body through the kidneys, the urine will turn dark orange for a day or so. Alternatively, if you are on kidney dialysis, mention the orange color to the dialysis technician so as to avoid unnecessary concern. Some people feel nauseated during the procedure. This symptom passes quickly, and may be avoided next time by injecting a smaller dose of dye more slowly. If the dye escapes from the vein, you may feel a burning pain at the injection site. Relief is obtained with an ice-cold compress for several hours. Notify the doctor if pain occurs or persists at the injection site after twenty-four hours. Allergic reactions to fluorescein are rare and are usually limited to skin rash and itching, which responds to Benadryl. Even more rarely, severe allergic reactions can occur at the time of injection and may be life threatening. This is treated as an emergency in the doctor’s office where equipment is available. Finally, some blood test results are altered by fluorescein if blood is drawn within a day or so after angiography, so you may wish to notify the laboratory.
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