Fluorescein Angiography

Fluorescein angiography is a specialized retinal imaging test that allows your eye doctor to evaluate blood circulation in the retina—the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The test can help confirm a diagnosis, identify leaking or blocked blood vessels, and guide treatment for several retinal conditions.

At Meadows Eye Physicians & Surgeons, fluorescein angiography is safely performed in the office and typically takes approximately 10 minutes.

What Is a Fluorescein Angiogram?

A fluorescein angiogram uses a small amount of fluorescein dye and a specialized retinal camera to create detailed images of blood flow through the retina.

During the test, fluorescein dye is injected into a vein in your arm or hand. The dye quickly travels through the bloodstream and reaches the blood vessels in the retina. A series of photographs is then taken as the dye circulates through the eye.

These images can reveal areas where blood vessels are:

Leaking fluid or blood
Blocked or receiving reduced circulation
Damaged by retinal disease
Growing abnormally
Affected by inflammation

Fluorescein angiography records retinal circulation and can provide information that may not be visible during a standard dilated eye examination.

Why Is Fluorescein Angiography Performed?

Your retina specialist may recommend a fluorescein angiogram to diagnose or monitor conditions such as:

Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic macular edema
Wet age-related macular degeneration
Retinal vein occlusion
Retinal artery occlusion
Macular edema
Abnormal retinal blood vessels
Retinal inflammation or vasculitis
Unexplained vision loss

The results help your doctor determine the location and extent of retinal damage. They may also guide treatments such as retinal laser therapy, eye injections, or continued observation.

What to Expect During the Test

Your pupils will usually be dilated before the angiogram so the retina can be photographed clearly. Once you are positioned in front of the retinal camera, the test generally follows these steps:

Initial photographs are taken of the retina.
A small amount of fluorescein dye is injected into a vein in your arm or hand.
The dye travels through your bloodstream and reaches the retina within seconds.
A series of photographs is taken while the dye circulates through the retinal blood vessels.
Your retina specialist reviews the images and discusses the findings with you.

The photography portion of the test generally takes about 10 minutes, although the entire appointment may take longer because of dilation, preparation, and image review.

Is Fluorescein Angiography Safe?

Fluorescein angiography is generally considered safe and is routinely performed in ophthalmology offices. Fluorescein is not the same as iodine-based contrast dye used for some CT scans.

The test can generally be performed in patients with kidney disease, including patients receiving dialysis. However, you should tell your doctor about your complete medical history, medications, allergies, kidney problems, pregnancy, and any previous reaction to fluorescein or another injected dye. Your doctor will review the test’s potential risks and benefits before it is administered.