What is the purpose of fluorescein angiography?

What is the purpose of fluorescein angiography?

• A. To visualize retinal blood vessels and assess circulation
• B. To measure tear production
• C. To determine corneal curvature
• D. To examine optic nerve function

Answer: (A)

Fluorescein angiography is used to visualize retinal blood vessels and assess their circulation. After injecting a fluorescent dye into a vein, the dye travels through the retinal arteries, capillaries, and veins. When illuminated with blue light, it emits a fluorescent glow captured by special imaging, allowing us to see how blood is flowing in the retina, identify areas of leakage, microaneurysms, or nonperfused tissue, and track how quickly different parts fill. This information helps diagnose and monitor diseases that affect the retinal vasculature, such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusions, and the presence of abnormal new vessels or macular edema. It’s not used to measure tear production, determine corneal curvature, or assess optic nerve function, which are evaluated with other tests.

Fluorescein angiography is used to visualize retinal blood vessels and assess their circulation. After injecting a fluorescent dye into a vein, the dye travels through the retinal arteries, capillaries, and veins. When illuminated with blue light, it emits a fluorescent glow captured by special imaging, allowing us to see how blood is flowing in the retina, identify areas of leakage, microaneurysms, or nonperfused tissue, and track how quickly different parts fill. This information helps diagnose and monitor diseases that affect the retinal vasculature, such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusions, and the presence of abnormal new vessels or macular edema. It’s not used to measure tear production, determine corneal curvature, or assess optic nerve function, which are evaluated with other tests.