Ophthalmology

The Fundus Fluorescein Angiogram (FFA) procedure is carried out to examine the circulation of blood in the retina and choroid (the back part of the eye). Dilating eye drops are first administered for pupil dilation, then a few photos of the rear of the eye are taken. Medical staff will subsequently insert a small needle into the antecubital vein and infuse a water-soluble fluorescein dye intravenously. As the dye passes through the blood vessels in the retina, a series of photos will be taken rapidly at the beginning and subsequently every minute. 

The Indocyanine Green Angiogram (ICGA) also evaluates blood circulation in the deeper layers of the retina. Similar to the FFA test above, dilating eye drops are administered for pupil dilation and fundus photos are taken. However, the ICGA is better suited for imaging the choroid. Both tests are often used together to provide a comprehensive view of both the retina and choroidal circulation. The FFA takes approximately 15 minutes while the ICGA takes around 30 minutes.