Conditions Treated at Mountain View Eye Center

Fluorescein angiography is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the blood vessels in the following parts of the eye:

• Retina
• Choroid
• Optic disc
• Iris

The fluorescein angiography provides doctors with information about the retina. It can also be used to provide information as to the status of current treatments. A fluorescein angiography helps to diagnose and track problems such as:

• Diabetic retinopathy
• Macular degeneration
• Abnormal vessel growth
• Swelling
• Leaking
• Retinal detachment
• Cancer
• Tumors
• Retinitis pigmentosa

• The patient’s pupils are dilated with eye drops
• A baseline photograph of the inside of the eye is taken with a special ophthalmic camera
• A contrast dye is injected into the patient’s arm
• As the contrast dye circulates in the eyes, more photographs will be taken

After about 20 minutes, a final set of photographs is taken for comparison. The doctor will be able to determine if the blood vessels are closed, leaking fluid or blocked

There is a risk of complications with any procedure. Some of the risks that patients may experience include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Urine that is darker than normal or orange in color
• Dizziness
• Hives
• An unusual taste in the mouth

Serious allergic reactions are rare.