The retina is a thin layer of tissue that lines the back inside wall of your eye. When light enters the eye, it hits the retina, creating an image. This image is turned into signals that are sent to your brain — and that’s how you see.

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To have good vision, your retina needs to be healthy.

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Fluorescein angiography (FA) is a special test that shows the blood flow in your retina. It helps your eye doctor find any problems with your retinal blood vessels or tissue.

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Getting Ready for the Fluorescein Angiography (FA) Test

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Before your test, it’s very important to tell your eye doctor if you:

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• Have asthma
   

• Are allergic to contrast dye or any medications
   

• Might be pregnant
   

A small number of people can have an allergic reaction to the dye used in this test.

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Here’s how to prepare:

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• Plan to be at the Eye Centre for about 2 hours
   

• Bring a list of your medications and any allergies
   

• If you wear contact lenses, you may be asked not to wear them during the test. Bring a case to store them in

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On the Day of Your Fluorescein Angiography (FA) Test

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• Bring someone with you to the clinic. You will need them to drive you home after the test
   

• Eat your meals as usual
   

• Your pupils will be dilated, so your eyes may be sensitive to light afterward. Bring a pair of sunglasses to wear after the test
   

• Register when you arrive at the clinic (you’ll be told where to check in)
   

• You will be asked to review and sign a consent form before the test begins
   

How is the Test Done?

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• A nurse will put eye drops in your eyes to dilate (widen) your pupils
   

• You will sit with your chin and forehead resting on a support to keep your head still
   

• You’ll be asked to look at a target with one eye while pictures are taken of the other eye. This will be repeated for both eyes
   

• A flash of light will go off as each picture is taken. Try not to blink until after each flash
   

• A nurse will insert an IV (a small needle into your arm) to give you a yellow dye called fluorescein
   

• A special camera will take pictures of your retina as the dye moves through the blood vessels in your eye. This part of the test takes about 5 minutes

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After the Test

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• You will be asked to wait for about 20 minutes to make sure you don’t have a reaction to the dye
   

• Your eyes will be sensitive to light and your vision may be blurry. Bring and wear sunglasses after the test, especially on sunny days
   

• Do not drive yourself home. You must have someone come with you to drive you
   

Because of the yellow dye:
 

• Your skin and urine may appear yellow for up to 24 hours. This is normal
   

• If you are having X-rays, scans, or blood tests on the same day, tell your healthcare provider that you had a fluorescein angiogram