Fluorescein Angiography (FA)
A fluorescein angiogram (fluorescein - the type of
dye that is used; angiogram - a study of the blood
vessels - in this case, on your
retina) is a
valuable test that provides information about the
condition of the retina. FAs are useful for
evaluating many eye diseases that affect the retina
in the back of the eye.
The study is performed by injecting a sodium-based
dye into an arm vein. The dye appears in the blood
vessels on the retina in 10-15 seconds on average.
As the dye travels through the retinal blood
vessels, an ophthalmic photographer shoots pictures
of the retina with a special retinal camera. If there are any abnormalities on
the retina, the dye will usually reveal them by
leaking, staining or by its inability to get through
blocked blood vessels.
Although statistically very rare, adverse
reactions to the intravenous dye have been
reported. You should discuss the risks and benefits
of this common study with your ophthalmologist.
At The Macula Center, these photos are taken with a
digital camera system, allowing
Dr. Deupree to
interpret the results immediately.
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