Our retina specialists are board-certified ophthalmologists with advanced training in vitreoretinal surgery to diagnose and manage the full spectrum of diseases affecting the retina, macula, and vitreous.
Fluorescein Angiography
Fluorescein angiography is a diagnostic tool used by retina specialists to help in the diagnosis and treatment of certain eye conditions. The procedure takes about 30 minutes and usually can be done as part of your office visit. A water soluble die, called fluorescein, that is non-toxic to your body or kidneys, is injected into a vein in your arm and photos are taken of the blood vessels in your retina and choroid as it circulates.
If you have had problems with contrast die in the past used for imaging of your body or head, this is a completely different die that does not contain iodine or similar allergens.
For up to 24 hours after the angiography, the die is excreted in your urine, giving it an orange or dark yellow appearance due to the color of the die. Other reactions include occasional local burning at the injection site that resolves in minutes, or a temporary yellowing of your skin due to the color of the die. A serious allergic reaction is rare, but notify your doctor if you have itching or difficulty breathing during the exam. These symptoms, although very rare, would manifest while you are at the doctor's office and are treated with a pill or possibly a shot.
