Fluorescein Angiography
WHAT IS FLUORESCEIN ANGIOGRAPHY?
This is a simple PHOTOGRAPHIC test to give your doctor more information about the state of the back of your eye and to decide the best form of treatment, if any.
WHAT DOES THE TEST INVOLVE?
The test is carried out in the Medical Illustration Unit at Royal Preston Hospital.
You will be give some eye drops before you leave the clinic. The drops should be put into both eyes before your leave home and again when you arrive at the hospital photographic department. The drops will cause some blurring of vision and it is, therefore, advisable that you should not drive yourself to your appointment.
Following this, a small amount of yellow dye will be injected into a vein in your arm. The dye passes with your blood through the blood vessels in your eye. This passage is photographed to give more information regarding diagnosis and possible treatment. No x-rays or radioactive materials are used and the eyeball is not touched during this test. The test takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
WOULD IT BE ALRIGHT TO HAVE THE TEST IF I AM ON TABLETS?
Yes it is. Take any tablets or medicine as normal before coming to the Department and please remember to bring them with you.
When you eyes are ready to be photographed you will be taken into the camera room. Prior to photography a safety needle will be placed in the back of your hand for injecting the dye. Once seated in front of the camera some pictures will be taken.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
The dye will give your skin a yellow tinge and your urine will be bright yellow for one or two days.
Most people feel no ill-effects from the test, apart from blurring of vision caused by the drops and some dazzle from the camera flash. A small number of patients may feel slightly sick, faint or short of breath but the feeling rarely lasts more than a few seconds. Rarely patients may react adversely and require the attention of the emergency resuscitation team for breathing or circulatory difficulties.
If you are elderly or have a long way to come, it is advisable to bring someone with you.
WHEN WILL I KNOW THE RESULTS?
You will not be given the results of the test straight away. The films have to be developed and then carefully studied. The results will be given to you at your next appointment. Please check that you know when your next appointment is.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUERIES REGARDING THIS TEST PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT THE MEDICAL ILLUSTRATION DEPARTMENT BY TELEPHONING
This information site has been provided by varied UK and US eye doctors for patients with eye problems.
Once your eye doctor has made a diagnosis or recommended an investigation or treatment, then you will be able to find further explanation on this site.
It is not a self diagnosis centre. It should not be relied upon without taking professional advice.