Fluorescein angiography
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.
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What is it for?
To diagnose eye diseases that affect the retina
What is fluorescein angiography (FA)?
Fluorescein angiography (FA) is an imaging technique used to take pictures of your retina (the cells at the back of your eye which 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).
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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鈥檒l 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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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
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 鈥� 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 鈥� A condition which occurs when a vein in your retina gets blocked, meaning that blood cannot leave the retina. This leads to an increase in the pressure inside your eye and swelling. FA can be used to assess the extent of the blockage
- Age-related macular degeneration 鈥� A disease which occurs when the macula begins to show signs of ageing due to a build-up of deposits on the macula or leaking blood vessels underneath or within the macula. FA can be used to assess the rate of deterioration
- Eye melanoma 鈥� The most common type of eye cancer that develops in the cells that produce melanin (the pigment that gives your skin its colour). FA can enable your consultant to see the anomalies in your eye more clearly
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, which should go away within a few minutes
- nausea or vomiting
- sneezing
The risk of anaphylaxis is extremely low.
Your ophthalmologist will discuss your Fluorescein angiography (FA) test results with you within a few days, once they鈥檝e 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.
You can use private medical insurance (PMI) to access this diagnostic. We work with all major PMI providers in the UK and many internationally.
Alternatively, you can pay for yourself (self-pay). If you are paying for yourself, we have finance options available with .
Find out more about paying for your diagnostics and treatments here.
To book an appointment, call us today on: 0203 553 3670