Fluroscien angiogram

[LaylaM]

Hello Doctor
Can one of these tests hurt your eyes? My doctor says no, but a friend of mine had one and it permanently damaged her retinas. Something to do with the prolonged bright lights. She said he neuro-ophthalmologist told her it damages people with things like RP, and is contraindicated. But if it is being used to diagnose, how can they know in advance if it will cayse permanent damage?
I'm hesitant to have it done, in case my eyesight is even worse for it.
Thank you

[MMEE]

Hi Layla,
I've had 4  Fluoroscien Angiograms in the last two years. Like you, before the first one, I was apprehensive but it turned out to be no big deal.  You would think that it would be bad when they inject the small amount of dye into your hand -- but honestly, the ***** of the very small needle (5/16") is hardly noticeable.   I really like getting to see what my eyes look like inside and how my eyes are doing when the images are projected on a large screen.  I did not notice any side effects afterward except very bright fluorescent yellow urine  later in the day.  The only thing I don't like is that it is an expensive procedure.  Otherwise, it is a very interesting experience.  Good luck -- I hope that the FA will show that everything is ok.  

[LaylaM]

yes, that's what she said. i'm very scared about this procedure. she is worried about the macula, though she can see nothing wrong

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

FAs are not ordered routinely as part of an check-up. If you Eye MD has suggested a FA then there must be an abnormality he/she has detected or you have a symptom that points to the macula as the cause.

JCH III MD

[LaylaM]

I am not a candidate for RP - I think my doctor is just making sure he didn't miss anything when he checked my eyes. He has found no sign of disease, but I guess he is worried something is lurking underneath my retinas. Is that possible?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

The fluoroscene angiogram (FA) is used to diagnose serious eye problems. The light is very bright and in some cases quite uncomfortable. HOWEVER the light is not on long enough to cause damage to the eye. While extreme light exposure (prolonged sunlight) should be avoided in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), the FA has been used in RP patients without damage.  Now the OCT might be used in some cases rather than FA.

Bottom line: I do not agree that the light from a FA test will do permanent damage to the eye even in a RP case.

JCH III MD Eye Physician & Surgeon