Introduction To Retinal Angiography

Angiography, as commonly known, is the result of the electrical signals of the heart. But one may not be aware that it can be done for any part of the body to check its health by electrical signals. There are also different types like ICG or fluorescin angiography.
Even the eye operations for the retina use angiograms and fluorescin angiography helps in the diagnosis and guide treatment of retinal conditions. While the usual process uses contrast dyes, the fluorescin dye in the retinal procedure is injected in the vein of the arm and images of the back of the eye are taken without using any radiation or x-ray. These digital pictures can be availed with latest digital imaging system and they can be enhanced with special computer programs.
The retinal process with fluorescin dye is a very safe process with nausea and slight allergic reactions as its side effects. About 1 in 200,000 people will experience a serious or even life-threatening reaction. But however, one should discuss all the risks and alternatives with the doctor before proceeding with the test.
There is also another option of a dye indocyanine green or ICG angiography in which, unlike fluorescin process, the dye leaks from more areas in the eye and it can also aid diagnosis of retinal conditions. There is also a special digital equipment to capture the ICG images. One may also find new technological advancements with the help of online healthcare products.
The retinal procedure is needed to confirm the diagnosis and obtain a permanent record of the vessels at the back of the eye in form of images or to give guidance for further treatment. The procedure includes the recording of vision and blood pressure. Eye drops are used to dilate the pupils which will blur the vision and increases sensitivity to light. The vein in the arm or the hand is inserted with a removable cannula or plastic tube during the test and the dye is injected in it and images are taken. Images are taken before and after the injection of the dye and also after the dye circulate. This procedure of taking images would only take a few minutes but it takes about an hour on the whole.

The side effects of retinal angiography may include a hot flush sensation or a warm feel for a few minutes, nausea; the fluorescein dye makes the skin yellow and urine green colored for a day and indocyanine dye makes the stools darker for some time. As long as the dye is in the system, skin discoloration and itching and rashes can take place. It is very rare to have an anaphylactic shock, which is a severe allergic reaction. One may see bright colors for a few minutes after the test but it resolves in some time.