Fluorescein Angiography

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Fluorescein angiography is an eye test which uses a specialized fundus camera system to take a series of photographs of the retina. Your eyes will be dilated prior to the test. During the test you will be seated in front of a camera with your chin rested and forehead against a bar to help you keep still throughout the test.

A special water-soluble dye (fluorescein) will be injected into a vein in the arm. The dye travels through the veins and into the arteries which circulate throughout the body. As the dye passes through the blood vessels of the retina, which will happen in a matter of seconds, a special camera flashes a blue light into the eye and takes multiple photographs of the retina.

Your doctor will use this test to check for any abnormal blood vessels which may cause swelling in the sensitive portion of the retina called the macula. Many common conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure may result in abnormal blood vessels in the retina. Age related conditions such as macular degeneration may also cause similar changes in the eye. By properly detecting such abnormal blood vessels your doctor will be able to offer targeted therapy in order to improve your eyesight.