A diagnostic method in which fluorescein dye is given intravenously and sequential images of the retinal and choroidal vessels are captured with a special camera.
Indication
- Evaluation and staging of diabetic retinopathy
- Differentiation of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (dry/wet type)
- Mapping of retinal vein or artery occlusions
- Investigation of central serous chorioretinopathy and macular edema
- Assessment of vascular permeability in uveitis and inflammatory vascular disease
- Planning before anti-VEGF or laser therapy
Preparation
- Before the procedure, the pupils are dilated with drops (approximately 20-30 minutes)
- Any history of allergy, kidney disease, or pregnancy is reported to the physician
- Contact lenses are removed; arriving after a light meal is recommended (reduces nausea)
- Before the procedure, the consent form is read and signed
How it's performed
- The patient is seated in front of a special fundus camera and the head is stabilized
- Fluorescein, a yellow-green fluorescent dye, is injected into an arm vein
- Once the dye reaches the retinal vessels, sequential photographs are taken within seconds
- Images are recorded in the early (arterial), mid, and late phases
- Leakage, occlusion, or new vessel formation is evaluated in the images
- The procedure usually takes 15-20 minutes
Post-procedure
- Because of the dye, the skin and urine may appear yellowish for a few hours; this is normal
- Blurred near vision due to the drops may last 4-6 hours; do not drive during this time
- Depending on the findings, laser therapy, anti-VEGF injection, or close follow-up is planned
- If mild nausea or dizziness occurs, rest and fluid intake are sufficient
Risks
- Allergic reaction to fluorescein dye (itching, rash; rarely severe anaphylaxis)
- Nausea, vomiting, or a brief feeling of warmth (relatively common but transient)
- Temporary discoloration or pain at the injection site due to dye extravasation
- Temporary light sensitivity and inability to focus on near objects due to the drops
- Very rarely, risk of severe systemic reaction (an emergency response team is on standby)
FAQ
Is FFA a painful test?
No. It is not painful; you only feel a needle prick when the IV line is placed and a bright light during the photographs. A feeling of nausea or warmth may occur transiently.
What if I am allergic to the dye?
Any previous allergy to fluorescein, contrast media, or severe food/drug allergy must be reported. If necessary, alternative methods (OCT angiography) are preferred or precautions are taken.
Can I drive after the test?
The pupils may remain dilated for 4-6 hours. Because of blurred vision it is recommended that you do not drive and that you wear protective sunglasses in sunlight.
Related Information
Related Medical Services
Other services in the same specialty or with similar indications you may want to explore.
Intravitreal injection
Ophthalmology
Intravitreal injection — retinal therapy delivering anti-VEGF medications inside the eye.
Fundoscopy
Ophthalmology
Fundoscopy (dilated fundus examination) — direct examination of the retina, optic nerve, and ocular blood vessels.
Glaucoma follow-up
Ophthalmology
Glaucoma follow-up — preserving vision through medication, visual-field testing, and optic-nerve monitoring.
OCT
Ophthalmology
OCT (optical coherence tomography) — non-contact, micron-level cross-sectional imaging of the retina and optic nerve.
Cataract Surgery
Ophthalmology
Cataract surgery (phacoemulsification) — treatment of vision loss by replacing the clouded lens of the eye.
Intraocular Pressure Measurement (Tonometry)
Ophthalmology
Intraocular pressure measurement (tonometry) — determining eye pressure for glaucoma screening and follow-up.
Retinal Detachment Surgery
Ophthalmology
Retinal detachment treatment — time-critical surgery, most often pars plana vitrectomy, to preserve vision.
Diabetic Retinopathy Laser Treatment
Ophthalmology
Diabetic retinopathy laser treatment — reducing the risk of vision loss in proliferative stage with panretinal photocoagulation.