What is Fluorescein Angiography?
Fluorescein angiography (FA) is a specialized test that uses a fluorescent dye and special photography to examine blood flow in the retina and choroid. The test helps diagnose various retinal conditions by revealing how blood moves through the vessels in your eye.
How the Test Works
A small amount of fluorescein dye is injected into a vein in your arm. As the dye travels through your bloodstream and reaches your eyes, a special camera takes rapid photographs of your retina.
Injection Phase
Dye injected into arm vein (2-3 seconds)
Transit Phase
Dye travels to eye vessels (10-15 seconds)
Photography Phase
Multiple photos taken over 10-15 minutes
Conditions Diagnosed
- Diabetic retinopathy and macular edema
- Age-related macular degeneration (wet form)
- Retinal vein and artery occlusions
- Central serous chorioretinopathy
- Choroidal neovascularization
- Retinal tears and detachment
- Inflammatory eye diseases
- Inherited retinal dystrophies
Treatment Planning
FA helps determine the best treatment approach by showing areas of leakage, poor blood flow, and abnormal blood vessel growth.
What to Expect
Before the Test
- Pupils dilated with eye drops
- Medical history and allergy review
- IV line established in your arm
- Baseline photographs taken
During the Test
- Fluorescein dye injected quickly
- Rapid sequence of photos taken
- May feel brief warmth or nausea
- Test takes 15-30 minutes total
- No pain from the photography
After the Test
- Urine will be bright yellow-green for 24-48 hours
- Skin may have slight yellow tint temporarily
- Vision blurry until dilation wears off
- Normal activities can be resumed
Types of Images
Early Phase
Shows filling of retinal arteries and veins
Mid-Phase
Reveals capillary perfusion and early leakage
Late Phase
Shows areas of dye leakage and staining
Very Late Phase
May be taken hours later for specific conditions
Important Preparation Information
Before Your Appointment
- Inform us of any allergies, especially to fluorescein or iodine
- Bring list of current medications
- Arrange transportation (vision will be blurry)
- Wear comfortable clothing with loose sleeves
- Continue regular medications unless instructed otherwise
Medical Considerations
- Let us know if you're pregnant or breastfeeding
- Report any heart or kidney problems
- Mention previous reactions to contrast dyes
- Discuss any concerns about IV placement
- Inform us of current illness or fever
Generally Safe Procedure
Fluorescein angiography has been performed safely for over 50 years. Serious complications are very rare (less than 1 in 200,000 procedures).
- • Well-established safety record
- • FDA-approved fluorescein dye
- • Performed by trained specialists
- • Emergency equipment readily available
Possible Side Effects
- • Brief nausea or dizziness (common)
- • Temporary yellow skin discoloration
- • Bright yellow-green urine for 1-2 days
- • Mild burning sensation during injection
- • Allergic reaction (rare)
- • Fainting (very rare)
Severe reactions are extremely uncommon but we monitor all patients carefully.
Understanding Your Results
Normal Results
- Even filling of retinal blood vessels
- No areas of blocked circulation
- No dye leakage outside blood vessels
- Normal transit time through vessels
- Appropriate background fluorescence
Abnormal Findings
- Areas of poor blood flow (ischemia)
- Dye leakage indicating vessel damage
- Blocked or narrowed blood vessels
- Abnormal new blood vessel growth
- Areas of inflammation or swelling
Treatment Decisions
Your doctor will review the angiogram images with you and explain how the findings guide your treatment plan. Follow-up angiograms may be needed to monitor treatment response.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fluorescein angiography safe?
Yes, FA is very safe with over 50 years of use. Serious complications are extremely rare (less than 1 in 200,000). We monitor all patients carefully throughout the procedure.
Will the dye cause permanent discoloration?
No, the yellow discoloration is temporary. Your skin may appear slightly yellow for a few hours, and your urine will be bright yellow-green for 24-48 hours.
Can I drive after the test?
No, your pupils will be dilated making your vision blurry for 4-6 hours. You should arrange for someone to drive you home or use alternative transportation.
How long until I get results?
Your doctor will review the images immediately after the test and discuss preliminary findings with you. A detailed report will be available within 1-2 days.
Questions About Fluorescein Angiography?
Our team will explain the procedure and address any concerns you may have.
Schedule a Consultation