Mulamoottil Eye Hospital & Research Center
Mulamoottil Eye Hospital & Research Center

Fundus Fluorescein Angiogram

You have been given appointment for Fundus Fluorescein Angiogram (FFA). This is a special type of photography that gives detailed pictures of the back of the eyes (retina). You should come for the test with 6 hrs. of fasting.

Your pupils will be dilated. A small injection of yellow dye is injected in to a vein in your arm. The dye circulates throughout the body and to the retinal blood vessels so that the network of capillaries can be seen. A series of flash photos will be taken while you are sitting at the digital fundus camera to show the passage of dye through the vessels in the retina. The dye will not leak out of normal capillaries; if it is leaking it means the vessels are diseased or new vessels have developed.

10% of patients will develop nausea and occasionally sickness that soon passes. Allergic reactions rarely occur. The dye has the effect of yellowing the skin for 3-6 hours and the urine for 24 hours.

We advice you to drink plenty of fluids, but not alcohol, protect yourself from bright sunlight. When the photography is completed you can have a cup of tea or coffee.

Dark glasses will help keep out the glare whilst your pupils/eyes are dilated. Your pupils will remain dilated for 12-24 hours during which time you should not drive.

Expect to be in the hospital for approximately 2 hours.

This information is only intended to provide general information for patients. Any patient who is worried about his or her individual circumstances should seek specialist's advice.

Mulamoottil Eye Hospital & Research Center