Fluorescein angiography (FA); (eye fundus imaging) is used to diagnose blood vessels in the eye fundus. Prior the examination, the patient is receiving an intravenous medium called fluorescein; after that a series of fundus photos are taken with the use of a special camera or certain OCT device. Normal retinal vessels are not permeable to fluorescein. A possible leakage revealed in the photos is a sign of a pathological condition.
When is the fluorescein angiography recommended?
Fluorescein angiography is primarily used for diagnosis of retinal diseases secondary to diabetes, vascular thrombosis and emboli, serous retinal detachment, retinal vasculitis, age-related macular degeneration or optic nerve diseases.
Contraindications to fluorescein angiography
Before the examination, the patient should undergo ophthalmological and general examinations. Fluorescein angiography should not be performed in pregnant women, patients with renal impairment or cardiac arrhythmias, and in the case of hypersensitivity to fluorescein. Therefore, the patient should inform the doctor of any allergies and received medications. Some flashes appear during the examination; also, transient nausea may occur.
FAQ
Yes, the treating ophthalmologist should give You a referral for FA examination. Apart from a referral note, the patient should also provide a certificate about the state of health issued by the primary care physician, and the information about allergies.
FA examination lasts about 20 minutes. One should also take into account the time required to prepare the patient for the examination.
The examination involves taking a series of pictures of the eye fundus after intravenous administration of a special contrast medium.
Fluorescein angiography is an examination supporting diagnosis and treatment of numerous ophthalmological conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), vascular disorders (thrombosis and emboli), and neoplasms. The result of fluorescein angiography enables a precise and effective laser treatment of retina.
About 10% of patients experience transient nausea during the examination; therefore, the patient should not eat abundant meals before the examination. Mild allergic reactions, such as pruritus, urticaria or dyspnoea, may also occur. The administration of a contrast medium results in yellowing of the conjunctiva, skin and urine, which may persist for 24 hours after the examination. Mild inflammation processes and oedemas at the site of intravenous injection are also possible.
The procedure of angiography requires administration of pupil-dilating eye drops, whose effect persists up to 3 hours, and it is advised not to drive any vehicles in that period.
FA examination can be performed in children who cooperate.
FA examination must not be performed in pregnant women.