Treatments & Testing

Fluorescein Angiography

Fluorescein angiography provides a detailed map of the retinal blood vessels and is used to identify leakage, blockage, and abnormal vessel growth.

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What Is Fluorescein Angiography?

Fluorescein angiography (FA) is a diagnostic procedure in which a fluorescent dye (sodium fluorescein) is injected into a vein in the arm. As the dye travels through the retinal blood vessels, a specialized camera takes a rapid series of photographs, capturing the pattern of blood flow through the retina and choroid in real time.

What It Evaluates

Leakage from retinal blood vessels in diabetic retinopathy or vein occlusion
Choroidal neovascularization in wet AMD
Areas of retinal non-perfusion
Leakage sites in central serous chorioretinopathy
Retinal vasculitis and uveitis-related vascular changes
Optic nerve and disc abnormalities

What to Expect

The dye is injected intravenously, after which photographs are taken over 5–10 minutes. Patients may notice temporary yellow discoloration of the skin and urine for 24 hours, which is harmless. Mild nausea occurs occasionally. Serious allergic reactions are rare.

Note: If you are pregnant or have a known allergy to fluorescein dye, please let us know before your appointment. Alternative imaging such as OCT angiography may be considered.

Indocyanine Green Angiography (ICGA)

Indocyanine green angiography uses a different dye that is better absorbed by choroidal vessels. It is used to evaluate diseases of the choroid, including chronic CSC and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.

Advanced Diagnostics