Fluorescein angiography (FA) is a diagnostic procedure that uses a special camera to record blood flow to the retina.

This diagnosis is recommended to check the walls of blood vessels in diseases of the retina that cause the formation of abnormal blood vessels, with thin walls, which can lead to bleeding in the eye. It is also used to monitor the results of treatment of the condition.

Fluorescein angiography is used in the following diagnoses:

• diabetic retinopathy;
• macular degeneration;
• all diseases related to the circulation of the eye;
• eye infections;
• tumors of the retina or choroid.

• Preliminary preparation

It is advisable to drink 2 to 3 glasses of water. Avoid liquids such as tea, coffee and other caffeinated beverages. If you wear contact lenses, take the lens case with you as you will need to remove them.

It is also necessary to do an allergy test to check if you are allergic to the substance used in this method.

• Course of the procedure

Your pupils are dilated with drops. You are sat in front of the apparatus, on the support elements of the apparatus in order to fix the head.

Fluorescein dye is injected into a vein in the arm. As the color passes through the blood vessels of your eye, photographs are taken to detect blood flow to your retina. Photographs may reveal abnormal blood vessels or damage to the lining of the retina.

The images will be recorded in black and white. The color will fluoresce in the blood vessels and will be recorded as light gray or white in the image. Interpretation of the abnormal angiogram relies on the identification of areas that show hypofluorescence (darkness) or hyperfluorescence (brightness).

The procedure takes about 10 to 15 minutes. During the procedure you may feel a slight nausea that passes quickly.

Fluorescein angiography (FA) is not performed in people who are allergic to fluorescein. Before the procedure, an allergy test must be performed according to the instructions of the ophthalmologist.

Your eyes will be dilated before the procedure so that the test does not involve direct eye contact and no radiation.

There is a possibility to pay in installments without interest and additional costs.

You can check more about the payment method on the current price list of Sistina Ophthalmology.