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Fluorescein angiography is a diagnostic test which uses special cameras to photograph the structures in the back of the eye. These tests are very useful for finding leakage or damage to the blood vessels that nourish the retina (light sensitive tissue). Fluorescein is a yellow dye which glows in visible light. In this tests flourescein dye is injected into a vein in the arm of the patient. The dye travels through the circulatory system and reaches the vessels in the retina. This test does not involve the use of X-rays or harmful forms of radiation.
Why eye angiography is performed?
This test will help the retina specialists to diagnose and evaluate specific eye diseases. Fluorescein dye is best for studying the retinal circulation. Conditions like diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusions, macular degeneration and many other retinal diseases are best studied by flourescein angiography. When abnormal vessels or leakage is identified with an angiogram, laser treatment may be indicated to prevent vision loss. The tests can also be useful for following the course of disease or response to treatment.
What are the risks of eye angiography?
Fluorescein angiography is considered very safe and serious side-effects from this test are uncommon. However, there is the possibility that a patient may have a reaction to this dye. Fluorescein contains no iodine and is safe in patients known to be allergic to iodine. Some people may experience slight nausea after dye injection that usually passes quickly. Patients who are allergic to the dye can develop itching and a skin rash. These symptoms generally respond quickly to oral medications such as anti-histamines or steroids. Very rarely, a sudden life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis can occur. This condition requires medical treatment. There is a possibility of an infiltrate of the dye into the skin at the injection site; this would cause some discomfort or discoloring of the skin for several days. Fluorescein dye will turn a patient's urine orange and may slightly discolor the skin as well for a brief period.