Digital Fundus Fluorescein Angiography. Regular and Ultra Wide Field
Digital Fundus Flourescein Angiography has contributed to our understanding of many different disease processes in the eye involving the retina and the choroid. FFA as it is commonly know is the most preferred method to image both the retinal as well as the choroidal circulation. Fundus Flourescein Angiography is an essential tool used by many ophthalmologists to diagnose a variety of common and rare retinal diseases and determining and using the pattern of images obtained as proof of disease and in coming up with the best possible treatment protocols.
The test involves dilation of the pupil and after using a small test administering a larger dose of the actual dye in a vein of the arm. This dye is different from iodinated dye which then goes into the circulation of the human body and then goes into the circulation of the eye. Multiple times pictures of the eye are then taken in quick succession using a specialized digital camera and filters. The different patterns of circulation seen allow different disease processes to be picked up. The test is extremely important in diseases such as a diabetes diabetes macular degeneration as well as in many inborn or acquired retinal and choroid diseases.
Abnormal patterns in angiography are seen either as blocking effect You can also see leakage of the dye, staining of tissue structures in the retina, pooling or colllection of dye in discrete locations, and transmission defects. The test is quite painless and is done in the clinic by extremely skilled technicians in the presence of a qualified medical doctor. Images acquired as a result of this test are critical in the accurate diagnosis and construction of treatment protocols for a patient as well as in their follow-up.
The test is painless and is done in the clinic with the patient in an upright seated position.