OCT angiography, fluorescein angiography
The diagnosis of retinal diseases can be extended to non-invasive OCT angiography or fluorescein angiography with contrast agent administration.
OCT angiography is a state-of-the-art non-invasive evaluation that in many cases can replace fluorescein angiography requiring intravenous administration of contrast agent (fluorescein). Directly images the vessels of the retina and uvea in the posterior pole of the eye. Allows more accurate diagnosis of macular disease and control of treatment progress.
Eye fundus imaging – fluorescein angiography
This is an examination that involves filling blood vessels with a yellow contrast agent (fluorescein), administered by intravenous injection. The contrast agent makes it possible to visualise condition of vascularisation on the eye fundus in successive images and to identify various pathological changes.
The most common indications for fluorescein angiography:
- complications of diabetes
- diagnostics of macular diseases
- inflammatory diseases of the retina and uvea
- retinal vascular diseases
- tumours of the retina and uvea
Preparation for OCT evaluation
You should be fasting or after eating a light meal before the evaluation. The evaluation is performed with the pupils maximally dilated pharmacologically.
Before the examination, the doctor examines the patient’s medical history thoroughly.
In cases where fluorescein angiography is necessary and the patient has a history of allergic reactions to the contrast agent, the physician may decide to administer a drug to protect against an allergic reaction.
Rarely, intravenous administration of fluorescein may cause transient nausea and vomiting.
Description of the OCT scan:
After intravenous administration of the contrast agent (fluorescein), the patient sits at the scanner with his or her head resting motionlessly on a special support while the doctor takes a series of fundus photographs. This is accompanied by intense flashes of light. The evaluation, depending on its purpose, can last intermittently from 1h to 2h.
After examination, the skin, conjunctivae of the eye and mucous membranes temporarily take on a yellow tinge, due to the presence of the dye in the body. The dye is excreted mainly by the kidneys, which is why the urine is coloured an intense yellow for about 24 hours.
The evaluation can be repeated several times during life and can be performed in patients of any age. In young children, due to the possibility of non-cooperation, the test is rarely performed.
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