Fluorescein angiography of the eye
When vision is deteriorating and a routine examination doesn't explain the cause, the doctor needs to see the blood flow inside the eye. Fluorescein angiography of the eye shows how contrast passes through the retinal vessels, revealing areas of leakage, ischemic areas, or new vessels.
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When fluorescein angiography helps make an accurate diagnosis
First, the ophthalmologist evaluates the patient's complaints, visual acuity, OCT, and the condition of the fundus. If the flow of contrast through the vessels needs to be assessed, retinal angiography is prescribed.
Most often, the examination is necessary for the following symptoms:
- Unexplained vision loss
- A spot, fog, or distorted vision
- Suspected diabetic retinopathy
- Signs of impaired blood flow
- Suspected age-related macular degeneration
- Changes following inflammation, thrombosis, or injury
What symptoms should raise concern?
An appointment with a doctor is recommended if you notice a new spot in front of your eye, a sudden deterioration in vision, flashes, fog, double vision, or distorted vision. Sometimes these complaints are due to vascular pathology, which can damage the retina to the point of significant vision loss.
For what conditions is the test particularly useful?
Fluorescein angiography helps evaluate contrast leakage, microaneurysms, neovascularization, retinal ischemia, and central retinal ischemia. If diabetic retinopathy has already been diagnosed, fluorescein angiography (FA) helps pinpoint risk areas.
The decision to perform FA is always made by an ophthalmologist.
How is fluorescein angiography performed at K+31?
Before the procedure, the doctor explains the purpose of the examination, as well as the sensations and limitations associated with pupil dilation. The patient undergoes an examination, preparation, contrast injection, and imaging. Contrast imaging is performed only after evaluating the indications and potential risks.
Preparing for the Examination
Complex preparation for the examination is usually not necessary. It is important for the doctor to know in advance about any allergies, asthma, kidney disease, severe cardiovascular conditions, pregnancy, lactation, and past reactions to contrast.
Before the visit, it is best to bring your medical records, OCT results, medication list, and previous examination reports.
Procedure Steps
First, the doctor evaluates the fundus and takes initial images. Then, contrast is injected, and the camera records how fluorescein moves through arteries, capillaries, and veins.
This is how retinal angiography shows the central and peripheral areas.
What does the patient feel during and after FA?
There is usually no significant pain. Discomfort from the injection site, bright light, short-term nausea, a feeling of warmth, and changes in skin or urine color are possible. If you experience itching, weakness, redness, or difficulty breathing, notify the medical staff immediately.
General information
What does fluorescein angiography of the eye show?
The doctor sees filling of arteries and veins, blood flow obstruction, and dye leakage beyond the vascular wall.
Retinal vessels and fundus
The examination shows how evenly the contrast passes through the retinal vessels. Narrowing, occlusion, pathological permeability, or new vessels are reflected in the images.
The fundus is examined along with the patient's complaints, OCT, OCT angiography, and general condition. Therefore, the interpretation of the results is a clinical conclusion, not a dry description of the images.
Dye leakage, retinal ischemia, and new vessels
If the dye leaks beyond the vessel, the doctor sees the leakage area. This occurs with inflammation, diabetic damage, macular edema, and abnormal vascular growth.
FAG helps assess the activity of a process when the macula is involved or there is a risk of progression.
How we interpret the test results
The results are interpreted based on the phases of contrast media transit. The doctor evaluates hyperfluorescence, decreased fluorescence, leakage, microcirculation, and the relationship of the images to the patient's complaints.
The doctor explains what was found, where observation is needed, and where treatment or further testing is required.
Frequently Asked Questions about FAG
What is fluorescein angiography (FA) and why is it performed?
How to prepare for fluorescein angiography (FA)?
Is FA painful and how long does the procedure take?
Are there any side effects?
Why patients choose K+31 for vision diagnostics
At our clinic, patients undergo diagnostic tests for medical reasons. The doctor explains why angiography is needed, what it can show, and the limitations of the method.
A team of ophthalmologists
The ophthalmologist reviews the results, assessing the retina, macular area, blood vessels, associated changes, and the patient's medical history.
A personalized approach and comfort at every stage
We explain the examination process in advance, as well as possible sensations and limitations after pupil dilation.
A quick report and a plan for further action
After the FAG, the doctor prepares a report and explains the next steps.
Book an eye examination in Moscow
You should schedule a fluorescein angiography (FA) of the eye if your doctor has already recommended it or if you have complaints that require an in-depth fundus examination. We perform the examination after an in-person examination, assessment of indications, and discussion of possible risks.
What to bring
It's best to bring your previous examination results, discharge summaries, a list of your medications, and your glasses, if you use them, to your appointment. If you have diabetes, vascular disease, or previous eye surgeries, it's also important to mention these.
How to prepare for your visit
Avoid driving immediately after the procedure, as the dilated pupil will temporarily impair vision. After the examination, you can ask your doctor questions about the diagnosis, risks, follow-up, and possible treatment.
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