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Retinal dye injection
Retinal dye injection

Fluorescein angiography
Definition:
Fluorescein angiography is an eye test that uses fluorescein dye and a special camera to take pictures and analyze the blood circulation of the retina and choroid.

Alternative Names:
Retinal photography; Eye angiography

How the test is performed:

Eye drops that make the pupil dilate (mydriatic drops) are administered. The chin is placed on a chin rest, and the forehead against a support bar to keep the head still during the test.

Photographs of the fundus (inside of the eye) are taken before the dye is injected. After the pictures are taken, a vein is located (usually at the bend of the elbow-called "antecubital" vein), and the dye is injected.

When the dye is injected, a series of rapid photographs are taken. After the dye has been injected, the needle is removed and pressure applied to the injection site for several minutes.

Photographs are taken up to 20 minutes after the injection.

Allergy to the dye is rare, but may occur. A history of allergies will be taken before the test.
How to prepare for the test:

Arrange for transportation because your vision may be blurred up to 12 hours after the test. The health care provider may instruct you to discontinue drugs that could affect the test. (See "Special considerations".) You must sign an informed consent form. You must remove contact lenses before the test. Tell the health care provider if you have a hypersensitive reaction to iodine. Tell the health care provider if you may be pregnant.

Infants and children:
The test is more commonly performed on adults, but may be performed on children. The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:
How the test will feel:
When the needle is inserted, a small amount of pain or stinging is usually felt. When the dye is injected, mild nausea and a warm sensation may be experienced. These symptoms are usually very brief.
Why the test is performed:
This test is useful in determining if there is proper circulation in the retinal vessels. It can also be performed to diagnose or follow treatment of problems in the eye.
Normal Values:
Normal values will show the vessels appearing of a normal size and without blockages or leakage. If blockage or leakage is present, the pictures will map that for possible treatment.
What abnormal results mean:
An abnormal value on a fluorescein angiography can detect:
  • Diabetic or other retinopathy
  • Macular degeneration
  • Cancer
  • Tumors
  • Circulatory problems
  • Inflammation or edema
  • Microaneurysms
  • Papilledema (swelling of the optic disc)
Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:
What the risks are:
There is a slight chance of infection any time the skin is broken. Rarely, a person is hypersensitive to the dye and may experience:
Special considerations:
Miotic eye drops can prevent a clear view of the fundus by preventing wide dilation of the pupils.

People with cataracts will have less accurate test results because of the difficulty seeing the fundus.
Review Date: 1/28/2002
Reviewed By: Edward B. Feinberg, M.D., M.P.H., Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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