Fluorescein Angiography

Definition | Why is This Test Done? |  What are the Risks? |  Clinic Information

Definition
Fluorescein angiography is a diagnostic procedure which uses a special camera to take a series of photographs of the retina, or light sensitive tissue in the back of the eye. A special water-soluble fluorescein dye is injected into a vein in the arm. The dye travels through the veins and into the arteries as it circulates throughout the body. As the dye passes through the blood vessels of the retina, a special camera flashes a blue light into the eye and takes multiple photographs of the retina. If the blood vessels are abnormal, the dye may leak into the retina or stain the blood vessels. If there is damage to the lining underneath the retina, or the appearance of abnormal new blood vessels growing beneath the retina, their precise location will be revealed.

Why is This Test Done? If your ophthalmologist suspects abnormalities in the back of the eye, fluorescein angiography may be recommended. Fluorescein angiography is often done to follow the course of a disease such as diabetes, a disease that can cause the blood vessels of the retina to leak blood or fluid. Age-related macular degeneration is another disease that can cause the blood vessels of the retina to leak blood or fluid. Both of these abnormalities can be treated with a laser to help prevent loss of vision, and treatment results can be monitored using fluorescein angiography. Without the help of fluorescein angiography, your ophthalmologist would not know exactly where a leak is to guide the pinpoint accuracy of laser treatment.

What are the Risks?
After the fluorescein dye is injected, your skin may turn yellowish for several hours. This color disappears as the kidneys filter the dye from your body. Because the dye is removed by the kidneys, your urine will turn dark orange for up to 24 hours following fluorescein angiography. Some individuals may experience slight nausea during the procedure, but this usually passes within a few seconds. If the dye leaks out of a fragile vein during the injection, some localized burning and yellow staining of the skin may occur. This burning usually lasts only a few minutes and the staining will go away in a few days. Allergic reactions to fluorescein dye are rare. If they occur, they may cause a skin rash and itching. This is usually treated with oral or injectable antihistamines, depending on the severity of the symptoms. Even more rarely, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) can occur and be life threatening.

Clinic Information
For more information about patient services at the U-M Kellogg Eye Center, call (734) 763-1415.