What is angiography?

What kind of dye is used?

What is angiography used for?

How is retinal angiography done?

What is the recovery period
after laser treatment?

Are there any risks associated
with laser treatment?

What is angiography?   Top
Retinal angiography is a diagnostic procedure that images the blood vessels and other structures in the retina with the aid of an intravenous dye. It is not an x-ray. There is no exposure to radiation with this test.

What kind of dye is used?   Top
The dye most commonly used is called fluorescein. It has been used for decades and it has an excellent safety record. It is much less likely to cause an allergic reaction than the dyes used by other types of specialists.

What is angiography used for?   Top
Angiography is utilized in many retinal disorders, particularly those that involve a problem with the circulation in the back part of the eye. The most common indications for retinal angiography are diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and retinal vascular abnormalities (artery and vein occlusions, aneurysms, or retinal swelling due to leakage). Angiography can be used to narrow down a diagnosis, determine eligibility for treatment, or to assess the severity of a known condition.

How is retinal angiography done?   Top
Retinal angiography is done in the office. First, the physician and patient need to discuss the reasons for doing angiography, as well as the risks, benefits, and complications. The patient's pupils are dilated with drops, and pictures are taken with a camera that focuses on the retinal structures. Another series of pictures will be taken after the patient is given an injection of dye into the vein in the arm. Usually, 5 milliliters (one teaspoon) of dye is injected using a small butterfly needle. The needle is withdrawn, and a band-aid is placed on the injection site. Within 10-15 seconds, the dye reaches the blood vessels in the eye. The information obtained in the first minute of photographs is the most important, although pictures are taken until 5 minutes after the injection.

What is the recovery period after retinal angiography?   Top
The recovery period is no different than what is experienced after a dilated eye examination. It takes several hours for the dilating drops to wear off and during this time, the eyes are sensitive to bright lights. Patients can resume work, school, or their usual activities after retinal angiography. Fluorescein dye is excreted from the body in the urine within 24 hours. The urine will be discolored bright yellow because of the dye.

Are there any risks associated with retinal angiography?   Top
Any procedure has some associated risk. However, retinal angiography has proven to be a relatively safe diagnostic procedure. The main risk is an allergic reaction to the dye. Mild reactions such as nausea are not unusual, but significant reactions to fluorescein dye are extremely rare. You and your doctor can discuss this in greater detail.

The White Eye Associates' ophthalmologist who specialize in diagnosing and treating retina & vitreous disorders is Michael J. Barondes, M.D.

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