What is FFA and ICG Eye Test?

Eye Problems Diagnosed by FFA and ICG Eye Tests

The following process is followed commonly:

• Diabetic Retinopathy: Detects abnormal blood vessels and leakage.
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Identifies blood vessel abnormalities like choroidal neovascularization.
• Retinal Vein Occlusion: Assesses blockages in retinal veins and associated macular edema.
• Retinal Artery Occlusion: Diagnoses blockages in retinal arteries.
• Macular Edema: Detects fluid buildup in the macula.
• Retinal Detachment: Helps identify the extent and location of detachment.
• Retinal Tumors: Evaluates the blood supply and nature of retinal tumors.

• Choroidal Neovascularization: Found in conditions like AMD, shows new, abnormal blood vessels.
• Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSC): Detects fluid buildup under the retina.
• Uveitis: Identifies inflammation and blood vessel leakage in the eye.
• Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO): Identifies blockages in smaller retinal veins.
• Cystoid Macular Edema: Detects cyst-like swelling in the macula.
• Choroidal Melanoma: Evaluates the blood supply to eye tumors.

Steps Involved in the Test Explained Simply

• Initial Examination: Your vision is checked and the pressure inside your eyes is measured.
• Dilation: Eye drops are used to widen your pupils.
• BP Measurement and Avil Tablet: Your blood pressure is checked, and you are given an Avil tablet to prevent allergic reactions.
• Injecting Dye: A dye is injected into your arm to help visualize the blood vessels in your eyes.
• Clicking Photographs: A special camera takes pictures of your eyes as the dye moves through the blood vessels.

Benefits of Indocyanine Green Angiography (ICG)

• Detailed Imaging: Provides clear images of the choroidal blood vessels beneath the retina.
• Diagnosis of Specific Conditions: Helps diagnose conditions like polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy and central serous chorioretinopathy, choroidal tumors, wet ARMD.
• Reduced Interference: The dye used in ICG is less likely to interfere with images, allowing for more accurate results.
• Infrared Light Use: Utilizes infrared light, which penetrates deeper layers of the eye, providing more comprehensive views.

Benefits of FFA

• Retinal Visualization: Offers detailed images of the retina's blood vessels, aiding in the diagnosis of retinal conditions.
• Detection of Abnormalities: Helps detect microaneurysms, hemorrhages, and other abnormalities in diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
• Treatment Planning: Provides essential information for planning treatments like laser photocoagulation and anti-VEGF injections.
• Monitoring Progress: Useful for monitoring the progression of retinal diseases and the effectiveness of treatments over time.

Things to Do Before and After FFA and ICG Eye Tests

Before the Test:

• Inform Your Doctor: Let your doctor know about any allergies, especially to dyes or medications.
• Eat Light: Have a light meal before the test to prevent nausea.
• Medication List: Provide a list of your current medications to the healthcare team.
• Bring Sunglasses: Your eyes will be dilated, so bring sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright light after the test.
• Arrange Transportation: The dilation will blur your vision, so arrange for someone to drive you home.

After the Test:

• Avoid Bright Lights: Your eyes will be sensitive due to dilation; wear sunglasses and avoid bright lights.
• Monitor for Side Effects: Watch for any allergic reactions or side effects like nausea, dizziness, or skin rash.
• Hydrate Well: Drink plenty of water to help flush the dye out of your system.
• Follow Up: Attend any follow-up appointments to discuss test results and next steps.
• Rest: Take it easy for the rest of the day as your vision may be blurry and you might feel a bit tired.