Fundus Flourescein Angiography ( FFA )

Fluorescein Angiography (FA) is an investigation to further investigate the cause of the retinal disease. In this 3 ml of a water soluble fluorescent dye is injected into a vein on the patient's arm. As the dye reaches the blood vessels of the retina ( It takes only 10sec !! ) , sequential photographs are taken using a sophisticated digital camera. The abnormal leakage of dye or absence of normal pattern of dye gives the doctor clues regarding the diagnosis and severity of the retinal disease.
This test is simple with generally no significant side-effects.

FFA is helpful in diagnosing vascular diseases of retina especially diabetic retinopath.

Dr. Rohan Chawla
Retina Surgeon
New Delhi
Updated on 3 September 2009

What is it?

This is a test which allows the blood vessels at the back of the eye (retina)to be photographed as a fluorescent dye is injected into the blood stream via your hand or arm.

  What is it done for?

Ans-It is done to help the doctor to confirm his diagnosis, to provide guidelines for treatment, to detect the retinal status to keep a permanent record of the vessels at back of the eye (retina).

3-How is it done?
Ans-The patient’s pupils are dilated with the dilator eye drops. An injection of yellow dye is given into a vein in patients arm. Series of photographs are then taken as the dye enters the vessels at the back of the eye.

4- What are the benefits?
Ans- 1. To detect the lesion of retina.
         2- Confirmation of diagnosis for retinal disorder.
         3-Provides guidelines for the treatment.
         4- Helps in keeping a record of the vessels at the back of the eye.

5-What are the limitations?
Ans-Extensive retinal hemorrhages. It is usually almost impossible to evaluate capillary non-perfusion accurately because of the masking effect of the blood. Media opacity due to cataract, Small pupils, poor blood circulation as in heart disease and poor cooperation.

6-How much time is taken?
Ans-Total time require for the whole procedure is 1 to 1 ½ hrs.

7-When is it to be repeated?
Ans- It is to be repeated as per doctors advise.

8-What are the alternative tests?
Ans-FFA (fundus fluoroscein angiography) Fundal photo test.

9-How much does it cost?
The cost may vary from one hospital to the other.

  Author: Sanjay Dhawan, New Delhi, India
Last updated on 31 May 2011