Symptoms
Fluorescein angiography itself doesn't have symptoms, as it's a diagnostic test. However, the eye diseases it helps diagnose can cause symptoms such as:
Blurred vision
Distorted vision
Loss of central vision
Floaters
Flashes of light
Blind spots After the procedure, some temporary effects from the dye are common:
Temporary yellowish discoloration of the skin and urine (lasting up to 24-36 hours)
Rarely, nausea or vomiting.
Causes
Fluorescein angiography is used to investigate various conditions that affect the retinal and choroidal blood vessels. Some common causes/conditions investigated include:
Diabetic Retinopathy: Damage to the blood vessels of the retina caused by diabetes.
Macular Degeneration: A condition that affects the central part of the retina (macula), leading to vision loss.
Retinal Vein Occlusion: Blockage of a vein in the retina.
Retinal Artery Occlusion: Blockage of an artery in the retina.
Choroidal Neovascularization: Abnormal blood vessel growth in the choroid.
Uveitis: Inflammation of the uvea (middle layer of the eye).
Retinal Tumors: To visualize the blood supply of tumors.
Central Serous Retinopathy: Fluid buildup under the retina.
Medicine Used
The primary "medicine" used in fluorescein angiography is fluorescein sodium, a fluorescent dye. Other medications may include:
Dilating eye drops: Used to widen the pupils for better visualization of the retina. Examples include tropicamide and phenylephrine.
Antihistamines or anti-emetics: Very rarely, these may be administered prior to the procedure if the patient has a history of allergic reactions or nausea.
Is Communicable
Fluorescein angiography is not communicable. It's a diagnostic test involving injecting a dye. The underlying conditions it helps diagnose may or may not be communicable, but the procedure itself poses no risk of infection transmission.
Precautions
Allergies: Inform your doctor about any allergies, especially to fluorescein dye, iodine, or other medications.
Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Fluorescein crosses the placenta and is excreted in breast milk. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Kidney Disease: Patients with kidney problems may require adjustments in the procedure or monitoring due to the dye's excretion.
Contact Lenses: You will likely be asked to remove contact lenses before the test.
Driving: Your vision may be blurred for a few hours after the procedure due to the dilating eye drops. Arrange for someone to drive you home.
Skin Discoloration: Be aware that your skin and urine will be temporarily discolored yellowish for up to a day or two.
How long does an outbreak last?
Fluorescein angiography is not related to outbreaks. It's a diagnostic procedure. The conditions it helps diagnose may have varying timelines.
How is it diagnosed?
Fluorescein angiography is the diagnostic procedure. It is used to *diagnose other conditions* that affect the retina and choroid. The diagnosis is made by: 1. Reviewing the angiogram images: A trained ophthalmologist analyzes the images to identify abnormalities in blood flow, such as leakage, blockages, or abnormal blood vessel growth. 2. Correlation with clinical findings: The angiogram findings are interpreted in conjunction with the patient's symptoms, medical history, and other eye examination results.
Timeline of Symptoms
As fluorescein angiography is a test and not a disease, there is no timeline of disease symptoms associated with the *test* itself. However, if the test reveals a condition like diabetic retinopathy, the timeline of symptoms would depend on the severity and progression of that specific condition.
Important Considerations
Purpose: Understand why your doctor is recommending fluorescein angiography and what they are looking for.
Risks and Benefits: Discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure with your doctor. While generally safe, there is a small risk of allergic reaction to the dye.
Alternatives: Ask if there are alternative diagnostic tests available.
Follow-up: Be sure to schedule any necessary follow-up appointments with your doctor to discuss the results and any treatment options.
Communication: Inform the medical staff immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms during or after the procedure, such as difficulty breathing, hives, or severe nausea.