Fluorescein Abgigraphy

In order to examine the retina ( the back of your eye) more closely, your ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) will use a diagnostic tehnique called fluorescein angiography ( pronounced FLOR-Uh-seen an jee-AHG-ruh-fee).

A harmless fluorescent dye is injected into a vein in your arm, wheere it ravels throughout the blood vessels in your body, illuminating them. As the dye passes through the blood vessels in the eye, a special camera takes photographs of the retina.

Why is fluorescein abgigraphy performed?
Fluprescein angiography helps your ophthalmologist see what is happening in your retina, highlighting any abnormalities that may be present. It is used most often to monitor two conditions: age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and the effects of diabetes on the eyes.

The images from fluorescein angiography help your doctor decide on the best course of treatment for your condition. The procedure will also be performed to monitor progression of your condition and the effectiveness of treatment.

Age-related macular degereration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in caucasion patients over the age of 65. There are two types of AMD: th eatrophic (dry) form and the exudative (wet) form.

Diabetes, the leading cause of blindness in patients under the age of 65, can also cause the blood vessels of the retina to leak fluid or blood. Fluorescein angiography helps your ophthalmologist identify these defective vessels.

How is fluorescin angiography performed?
1.Special drops are put into your eye to make your pupil dilate (open)
2.Your ophthalmologist or an assistant will insert a small needle into a vein in your arm and inject the dye
3.A special camera will take pictures of your retina. The canera shines a dim blue light into your eye. which causes the dye traveling through the blood vessels in the retina to appear fluorescent green. A series of pictures are taken, which your ophthalmologist reviews later.