Fluorescein AngiographyFluorescein angiography or angiogram evaluates the blood vessels of the retina and helps to make treatment decisions for macular degeneration. It is used as a diagnostic tool for wet macular degeneration.
Wet Macular Degeneration Test
This is how the process works: 1) Pupils are dilated with eye drops 2) Pictures are taken before the dye is given as a baseline 3) An injection of fluorescein dye is given into the vein of the patient's arm 4) They dye travels to the blood vessels in the eye and the retina - takes just seconds 5) Multiple pictures are taken of the retina. The dye gives the blood a glowing appearance so that the location of leaky vessels can be determined
Why is This Test Given?This test is ordered if:1) Your physician suspects that you have wet macular degeneration. It is considered the gold standard for diagnosing wet macular degeneration. It can tell your physician: √ the pattern of choroidal neovascularization (occult or classic) √ the boundaries - well defined or poorly defined √ location of the CNV - subfoveal, extrafoveal or juxtafoveal √ the size of the lesions 2) To determine the exact location where a leak is to guide any kind of laser treatment.
3) To monitor treatment results for macular degeneration.
Side EffectsThe majority of patients do not experience any side effects after receiving the injection. But things to be aware of are:1) may feel flushed 2) may feel nauseated 3) an allergic reaction is possible ranging from mild itching to rarely anaphalactic shock 4) briefly feel dizzy when the injection is given 5) stinging at site of injection 6) yellow discoloration of the skin from the dye which is temporary 7) bright yellow urine from the dye which is temporary To learn more from an optometrist about what happens during a general eye exam click here: What to Expect During a General Eye Exam
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