FLUORESCEIN ANGIOGRAPHY
Fluorescein Angiography is a special diagnostic test. This test
is done if your ophthalmologist suspects abnormalities of the retina, which is the thin
tissue that covers the back inside wall of the eye. The retina is like the film of the
camera, it records the pictures which are sent to the brain for us to see.
Fluorescein, a water soluble dye, is injected into a vein in the
patient's arm or hand. This dye travels in the veins and arteries throughout the body. As
the dye circulates through the blood vessels of the retina, a series of photographs is
made through the dilated pupil with a special camera.
The actual test takes about thirty minutes. This does not include
the time needed to dilate the pupils before the test or the doctor's exam after the test.
There are no restrictions on your physical activity or food
intake before or after the test.
After the dye is injected, your skin may appear yellowish for up
to 24 hours. As the dye is filtered out of the body by the kidneys, your urine will be
discolored, also for about 24 hours following the test. Occasionally, some patients become
nauseated for a few seconds during the procedure. Some localized burning and yellow
staining of the skin may occur if the dye leaks out of a fragile vein during the
injection. The burning lasts several minutes and the staining a few days. Allergic
reactions to the dye are very rare. Some people develop a skin rash and/or itching which
is treated with an antihistamine. Sever allergic, life-threatening reactions are very
rare.
In diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and
other retinal problems, fluorescein angiography is used for diagnosis and documentation.
The photographs will reveal any leaking or blocked blood vessels, damage to the retina,
and the appearance of new abnormal vessels, The exact location of these abnormalities will
be seen and the photographs serve as a map for the doctor. This is especially helpful when
laser treatment is needed.
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