Having a Fundus Fluorescein Angiography or Indocyanine Green Angiography (ICG)
Having a Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA) or Indocyanine Green Angiography (ICG)
Patient Information
Ophthalmology Department
- Author ID: ER
- Leaflet title: Ophth 007
- Leaflet Ref: 8
- Version: Having a Fundus Fluorescein Angiography or Indocyanine Green Angiography
- Last review: January 2025
- Expiry Date: January 2027
What is a Fundus Fluorescein Angiography?
It is a simple photographic test using a fluorescent yellow dye which allows us to look at the blood supply to the retina. (The retina is the main seeing part at the back of the eye). Fluorescein angiography can be used to show any problem areas of the Retina and will help us to determine if any treatment is required.
What is a Indocyanine Angiography?
It is a simple photographic test using a green dye which allows us to look at the blood supply to the retina. This can be used to show any problems areas of the retina and determine if any treatment is required.
Note both these tests can be carried out together.
The test is carried out in:
WWL Eye Clinic
Boston House
Block B 1st Floor
Frog Lane
Wigan
WN6 7LB
Phone Number: - 01942 822244
Do I need to bring anything with me?
It is advisable that you do not drive to and from your appointment and you may wish to bring someone with you and that is allowed. Please bring a list of any medication you are currently taking. It is expected that you will be in the department for approximately 1 hour.
What preparation is required?
On the day of your test, you should take your normal dietary requirements and your normal medication. When you arrive at the department you will be greeted by our team who will direct you to the appropriate waiting area and advise the nurses of your arrival. The nurse will check your vision and instil drops into your eyes to enlarge your pupils. This will allow the back of the eye (retina) to be viewed.
Dilation of your pupils will cause temporary blurring of your vision and some sensitivity to light can occur. The nurse will ask you about your general health and about your current medication. The assessment will include recording your blood pressure and pulse and taking verbal and written consent that you are happy to proceed with the test.
The benefit of the test is that the doctor will have a clear picture of the retina which will help the doctor prescribe the best course of treatment.
Risks
On completion of the test your skin may have a yellow tinge. Your urine will be bright yellow which can last up to 48 hours. Do not have any blood samples taken for 48 hours as a true will result will not be obtained. On rare occasions the dye can cause itchy skin which will settle down with antihistamines, which can be bought from a chemist. Sometimes patients can feel nauseous which normally passes straight away. On rare occasions patient can be allergic to the fluroscein dye which could cause an anaphylactic reaction, which would be classed as an emergency.
Note you must not drive until your vision returns to normal which can take 4 – 8 hours.
Once your consent is given the nurse will prepare to insert a small plastic cannula into a vein in your lower arm or the back of your hand. The fluorescein or indoycyanine dye will later be injected through this.
What Happens when the dye is injected?
The dye will only be injected when your pupils are fully dilated. When your pupils are fully dilated you will be escorted to The Digital Camera Room. A series of pictures will be taken of the back of your eye by an Ophthalmic Technician. The technician will ask you to put your chin on a moulded rest and press your forehead against a rigid band.
When you are comfortable some preliminary pictures will be taken, and you will experience some bright flashes from the camera lens. The dye will then be injected which travels through all the blood vessels in your body including those at the back of your eye.
Once the photographs are completed the nurse or technician will remove the cannula after 10-15 minutes following the procedure. Most people feel no ill effects from this test, but we will observe you while you remain on the unit and have scans completed.
A digital camera is used to capture the images. These images are stored onto the computer and saved. The Consultant will study the images, and you will be given the results at your next appointment. This appointment will be sent to you through the post.
If you have any queries or concerns relating to the information within this leaflet, please contact:
WWL Eye Unit at Boston House
Tel: 01942 822244