Testing for circulation of the retina and choroid

Fluorescein angiography (IVFA) or fluorescent angiography is another specialized eye test offered by opthalmologists at Eye Care on 5th , and is an essential tool in the diagnosis and treatment of retinal disorders. This portion of your comprehensive eye exam at our 25 5th Ave, #1A facility, uses a fluorescent technique and specialized camera for examining the circulation of the retina and choroid -- the two layers in the back of the eye.

Fluorescein Angiography Procedure

It is advisable to make arrangements for someone to drive you home. During this test, you will be given eye drops that make your pupils dilate. Then, with your head supported and stabilized by the chin rest and forehead support of our specialized camera, the best possible images will be taken. Our specialist will first take a set of photos of the inside of your eye. Then, after a harmless dye (fluorescein) has been injected into a vein, another set of photos will be taken. Thus, a set of images is created which records the movement of the dye through the blood vessels in the back of your eye.

Fluorescein Angiography Preparation

  • We provide the best possible care for your eyes when you let us have all relevant information about your health. Please tell your Eye Care on 5th doctor about any and all health conditions that you have, including allergies and reactions to iodine.
  • As with many medical tests, it is important to mention to your eye doctor if there is a chance that you could be pregnant.
  • You may need to curtail use of some medications that could affect the test results.
  • As with most medical tests, you will be asked to sign a consent form.
  • Naturally, you will be asked to remove contact lenses before the test.

What to Expect During Your Fluorescein Angiography

Some patients feel some moderate pain when the needle is inserted while others feel only a slight prick or stinging sensation and occasionally some throbbing. During the insertion of the dye some patients briefly feel mild nausea and/or a warm sensation.

Understanding Your Test Results

A normal Fluorescein Angiography result will show the vessels to appear a normal size, with absence of leakages or blockages. If these are indeed present, the photographs of the test map the exact locality for possible treatment.

    The reasons for such results of the fluorescein angiography may be as follows:

  • Macular degeneration
  • Swelling of the optic disc
  • Enlargement (microaneurysms) of capillaries in the retina
  • Inflammation
  • Edema
  • Circulatory problems, i.e.  blockage of the arteries
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetic/ other retinopathy
  • Tumors
  • Cancer

    The test may be performed also under these conditions:

  • Retinitis pigmentosa
  • Retinal detachment
  • Retinal vessel occlusion

Risks are Usually Minor and Generally Unlikely to Occur

While serious reactions are very rare, at Eye Care on 5th we believe in ensuring that our patients are fully aware of all risks, however minor, when it comes to the Fluorescein Angiography procedure. For instance, there is a slight chance of infection when the skin is broken. Patients who are hypersensitive to the dye may experience dry mouth/ increased salivation, a brief metallic taste in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, sneezing, hives, increased heart rate and occasional dizziness.
Also your urine will be darker and possibly orange in color for a couple of days following the test. And, you should understand that the test results are more difficult to interpret in presence of cataracts.
To dispel your concerns about Fluorescein Angiography, call us at (917) 639 –3459.
Eye Care on 5th Avenue 25 5th Avenue, # 1A New York, NY 10003
t: 917-639-3459 t: 917-639-3476 f: 917-591-0604