Fundus Fluorescein Angiography
WHY?
- The fundus refers to the inner lining of the eye, visible through the pupil during an eye examination. It comprises several vital structures, including the central and peripheral retina, the optic disc (where the optic nerve connects to the eye), and the macula, which is responsible for sharp central vision.
A number of retinal disorders can affect the health and function of the fundus, particularly by disrupting the blood vessel circulation in this delicate region. Conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusions, and optic disc edema (swelling of the optic nerve head) can lead to leakage, blockage, or abnormal growth of blood vessels. These vascular changes may result in symptoms ranging from blurred vision and floaters to complete vision loss if left untreated.
Timely diagnosis and management of these diseases are essential to preserve vision and prevent permanent damage to the eye.
HOW?
- Fundus photography is a diagnostic technique used to capture detailed images of the inner surface of the eye, including the retina, optic disc, macula, and posterior pole. At our facility, we utilize a specialized Topcon fundus camera, which integrates a high-precision microscope with a flash system to produce clear and accurate images of the fundus.
To further evaluate the blood circulation within the retina and surrounding tissues, we perform a procedure known as angiography. This involves the injection of a fluorescent dye—such as fluorescein or indocyanine green—into the bloodstream. As the dye travels through the blood vessels of the retina and choroid, a series of images are captured to monitor and document the flow.
Barrier filters are used during this process to isolate and capture only the specific wavelengths of light emitted by the fluorescent dye, enabling the visualization of fine vascular details.
By recording a sequence of photographs over time, we can observe how the dye moves through the retinal and choroidal blood vessels in various stages or “phases.” This allows us to detect abnormalities such as leakage, blockage, or pooling of blood—critical for diagnosing conditions like diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and retinal vein occlusions.
