fluroscein angiogram

[pamelal]

Hi Doctor
Just wondering if this test is part of a regular comprehensive eye exam? Or is it usedfor further diagnosis when something suspicious is seen during a dilated exam?
Thank you

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

The FA and OCT provide different information about eye pathology. Sometimes one or the other is better sometimes both give the best information.

JCH III MD

[pamelal]

Thank you for explaining that. So is an OCT better than an angiogram? are they looking at essentially the same things? do you need to have both? I had some kind of scan (I will check with the doctor's office, the doctor is on leave) already and is appeared to be OK, or at least no-one said it wasn't.

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

A fluoriscein angiogram (FA) in a special test and is not part of a regular comprehensive eye exam. It is used for many things including diabetes, macular degeneration, blood vessel problems, evaluation of tumors.  A new test OCT makes FA not always necessary.

So to have a FA something suspecious must have been seen.

JCH III MD