Fundus Fluorescein Angiography

Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA) is a diagnostic photographic procedure of the back of your eye that is performed to give your retinal specialist more information about its condition. A small amount of yellow fluorescein dye will be injected into a vein in your arm which travels around your body highlighting blood vessels. This results in a detailed view of the back of your eye, which helps to inform your treatment plan. Unlike X-Rays, there is no exposure to radiation during this test.

What Happens During My Fundus Fluorescein Angiography Appointment?

The nurse will dilate your pupils with eye drops, this normally takes between 10-30 minutes and can take longer in patients with dark irises. Please do not drive to your appointment, as your vision may be left blurry for between 6-8 hours. The nurse will also check your blood pressure.

Once your eyes are fully dilated, a doctor or nurse will ask you to sit in front of the Optos Ultra-widefield imaging machine and will insert a cannula (a type of needle) into a vein in your forearm of the back of your hand, similar to when you undergo a blood test. The dye will be injected and simultaneously a series of images will be taken.

The test itself takes about 15 minutes. You will experience bright flashing lights throughout the examination.

Prof. Stanga will then review your scan results and discuss them with you at your next appointment.

Possible Side Effects

Following the dye injection, your skin will have a slight yellow tinge (similar to having a suntan) and your urine will turn bright yellow for approximately 24 hours. This is normal and nothing to be worried about. You should drink plenty of water to flush the dye out of your system and to remain hydrated.

Some of the other more common side effects (affecting approximately 5 people out of a 100) include:

Feeling nauseous or being sick – this usually occurs in the first 1–2 minutes after you are given the injection and, in most cases, it passes within seconds. Taking deep breaths often helps. It is vital that you let us know if you have any allergies or if you have had an unexpected reaction to fluorescein dye before.

Very rarely, people can have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to the fluorescein dye causing breathing or circulatory difficulties. We are equipped to deal with this emergency.

What Happens After the Procedure?

You will be asked to stay in the clinic for a short while after the test so that you can be observed for any rare late side effects. The cannula will then be removed from your arm and a dressing will be applied before you go home. You will be able to remove the dressing yourself the next day.

As your pupils will still be dilated, your eyes are likely to be more sensitive to light, so you may wish to bring sunglasses.

We advise you bring someone with you to help you get home after the procedure