Get to know eye angiography, a procedure for the treatment of eye disorders

Definition

What is eye angiography?

Eye angiography is a medical procedure using fluorescent ink (fluorescent rays) that are injected into the bloodstream. The ink will highlight the blood vessels behind the eyeball so you can draw a picture. This medical procedure is commonly performed for the treatment of eye disorders.Your doctor will perform procedures to confirm a previous diagnosis, to determine the appropriate therapy, or to monitor the condition of the blood vessels behind your eyeball.

When should I have eye angiography?

This medical procedure is done to check if the blood flow in the vessels that are located two layers behind your eyeball is working properly. Eye angiography can also be done to diagnose problems with the eye or to determine if a particular eye treatment is working well.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before undergoing eye angiography?

In general, doctors will not recommend this procedure to be performed during pregnancy — especially in the early trimester. Fluorescent ink can be absorbed by breast milk, it is not safe for breastfeeding for 24-48 hours after the procedure. Pump your breastmilk and throw it away immediately, until you feel safe to resume breastfeeding. Alternatively, a few days before the procedure you can pump breastmilk and store it, or buy formula, to use during and after the procedure.

The ink will be filtered by the kidneys and flow out of the body through urine within 48 hours. The urine can be bright yellow or orange during these 2 days. An ink called green indocyanine will be better at detecting certain types of eye problems than fluorescent ink. This green ink will help the doctor check for leaks in the blood vessels under the retina. The test results are more difficult to read in cataract patients.

Process

What should I do before undergoing eye angiography?

Do not drive your own vehicle on the day of the procedure. Ask a friend or family member to drop you off and accompany you on the day of the procedure. Your pupils will dilate for about 12 hours after the test. Be sure to inform your doctor before the procedure about any medications (prescription / nonprescription, herbal products, supplements) and other therapies you are currently undergoing. Tell your doctor if you have an iodine allergy. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before undergoing the test.

How is the eye angiography process?

You will be given eye drops which function to dilate the pupil. You will be required to support your chin on the camera mount and rest your forehead against the support bar to keep your head still during the procedure. The doctor will take a picture inside your eye. After the first few pictures are taken, fluorescent ink will be injected into the vein, usually in the inner crease of your elbow. Then, a special camera will take pictures while the ink flows in the veins behind your eyeball.

What should I do after undergoing eye angiography?

When the test is over, your vision will be blurred for approximately 12 hours. Do not drive your own vehicle until the eye medication wears off. Ask a friend or family member to drop you off and accompany you on the day of the procedure. Use glasses until your pupil size returns to normal to avoid exposure to bright light and direct sunlight that can injure your eyes.

Explanation of the Test Results

What do my test results mean?

The test duration ranges up to 30 minutes. Your doctor will be able to receive and research the results immediately after the procedure.

Normal result

The ink flows normally without a hitch. No leaks or blocks were found.

Abnormal results

• slow ink flow
• clogged ink flow
• ink leaks out of the veins
• there is a lump in the area around the eye or optical disc