Fluorescein Angiogram
| Author: Judy Kohn, RN, BSN, CDE |
| Last Updated: Tuesday, October 03, 2006 |
Q: "What is a Fluorescein Angiogram?"
A: Fluorescein Angiogram is a diagnostic test on the retina of your eyes. For this test, dye is injected into a vein in your arm. The dye travels throughout the body, including the eyes. Then, using a special camera and a flash (not an x-ray machine), your doctor takes a series of photographs of the retina as the dye passes through it.
This technique provides details of the retinal circulation, including the smallest blood vessels (called capillaries). Healthy vessels prevent the dye from leaking through the blood vessel walls, while diseased vessels allow the dye to leak. Accumulation of dye in the retina may be a sign of edema. This test is used to determine the extent of background retinopathy, especially the points of leakage and areas that have lost circulation. Leakage points that cause macular edema can be treated with laser surgery.
Such details of the retina and macula would not be visible just by looking. So the photos provide a map or guide, to help the doctor determine the exact location and amount of laser surgery that may be required.
The reference used for this answer was The American Diabetes Association's The Uncomplicated Guide to Diabetes Complications. Also, I would recommend you ask your eye doctor, who probably has more written information about this procedure.
Important Notice: The responses provided by the team of Diabetes Educators are based on their personal experiences and expertise as practicing diabetes healthcare professionals, and are not to be considered diabetes management advice from Abbott Laboratories. Remember that information provided by the team of Diabetes Educators is for general background purposes and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment by a trained professional. You should always consult your physician about any healthcare questions you may have, especially before trying a new medication, diet, fitness program, or approach to healthcare issues.
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