Fluorescein angiography (FA) is an imaging technique that helps to highlight the veins in your retina to assist with the assessment and monitoring of a variety of retinal conditions.
Fluorescein angiography
Also known as: colour fundus photography, retinal photography, eye angiography
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What is fluorescein angiography (FA) used to test?
Fluorescein angiography (FA) is an imaging technique used to take pictures of your retina (the cells at the back of your eye that convert light into images). It involves injecting a dye, called fluorescein, through a vein in your arm. This fluorescent dye travels to the blood vessels in your retina and highlights them so that they can be seen clearly in the images taken.
As a result, fluorescein angiography (FA) is used to diagnose or monitor eye conditions that affect the blood vessels in your retina and your macula (at the centre of your retina).
Fluorescein angiography is an important technique used when first diagnosing eye diseases that affect the retina. It is most commonly used to diagnose and manage conditions such as:
- Diabetic eye disease – A group of eye conditions caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels, which can lead to damage to the blood vessels in your retina. FA is used to diagnose and manage diabetic retinopathy and macular oedema, two types of diabetic eye disease, as it can clearly highlight any damaged blood vessels.
- Retinal vein occlusion – A condition that occurs when a vein in your retina gets blocked, meaning that blood cannot leave the retina. This leads to increased pressure in your eye and swelling. FA can be used to assess the extent of the blockage.
- Age-related macular degeneration – A disease that occurs when the macula begins to show signs of ageing due to a build-up of deposits or leaking blood vessels. FA can be used to assess the rate of deterioration.
- Eye melanoma – The most common type of eye cancer that develops in the melanin-producing cells. FA can enable your consultant to see abnormalities in your eye more clearly.
Are there any risks associated with fluorescein angiography (FA)?
FA is considered to be a low-risk imaging technique. However, there is a small risk that you may have an allergic reaction to the dye. This can cause symptoms including:
- hives
- itching
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- increased heart rate
- a metallic taste in your mouth (this should go away within a few minutes)
- nausea or vomiting
- sneezing
The risk of anaphylaxis is extremely low.
How long does it take to get your fluorescein angiography (FA) results?
Your ophthalmologist will discuss your fluorescein angiography (FA) test results with you within a few days, once they’ve had time to interpret them.
If the FA test highlights an issue that needs addressing, they may order more tests or make the relevant diagnosis straight away so that you can begin your treatment journey.
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What to expect during and after FA?
Step 1
When you are scheduled to undergo fluorescein angiography (FA), you will first be given eye drops to dilate your pupil. You will then be shown where to sit in front of a special camera. You will need to place your head on a chin rest and look at the camera. The scanning equipment will take a series of time-lapse photographs of the back of your eye.
Step 2
You will then receive a dye injection in one of your veins, usually in your arm. Within seconds, the dye will circulate to the veins at the back of your eye. The technician will take time-lapse photographs as the dye moves through the blood vessels. Photos taken between one and 10 minutes after the injection allow your consultant to identify any issues, such as abnormal blood vessel growth or leakage.
Step 3
After the test, you can go home, but you’ll need to take some precautions. Your vision may be blurred, so plan to have someone drive you. You may also experience light sensitivity, so bring sunglasses to wear afterwards. The dye can cause temporary side effects like slight skin discolouration or dark yellow to orange urine, which typically fade within 24 hours.
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