What is a Fluorescein Angiography?
A fluorescein angiography (FA) refers to the injection of fluorescein dye into a peripheral vein (typically in the space between the forearm and arm) while simultaneously photographing the fluorescein (vegetable-based dye) traveling through the arteries and veins of the eye.
Why is FA performed?
The test provides the physician with information regarding the blood flow to the retina, identifies areas of poor blood flow or abnormal blood vessel development, as well as sources of leakage. This information can be very important in providing a prognosis, planning treatment, and assessing the response to treatment.
What Can I Expect From the Procedure?
This procedure is performed in the office. A tourniquet is placed on the arm which will be injected, a vein is located, the physician or photographer then removes the tournnquet, and injects a small volume of fluorescein into the vein.
Most patients experience no adverse side effects from the injection of this vegetable-based dye. The urine can be orange colored for 1-2 days after the procedure. Few patients experience mild nausea during the test that self resolves, very few of them may vomit during the test. There is a very small risk of allergic reaction causing difficulty breathing.