Tests and scans
A fluorescein angiogram (FA) or fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) looks at the blood vessels and the lining at the back of your eye (the retina). You may also have a photograph taken of the surface of the inside of the eye (the fundus). This is called a colour fundus photography.
A fluorescein angiogram can pick up changes in the condition of your eyes. It can help your specialist make a diagnosis of eye cancer or tell them how well treatment is working.
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Your eye specialist puts a small tube (cannula) into a vein in your hand or arm. A yellow coloured dye called fluorescein is injected into the cannula. This dye travels through your blood to the blood vessels in your eyes. Photographs are taken of your eyes as the dye passes through.
It is common to feel warm or flushed when you have the injection. You might also feel sick. These feelings usually pass within the first few minutes.
The dye can cause the following side effects around the site of the cannula:
itching
a rash
a tingling sensation
It is important to tell the nurse or eye specialist if you feel unwell at any time during your test. They will not mind stopping until you are ready to continue.
Sometimes you can have a family member or friend with you while you have the test. Do speak to your nurse beforehand if you would like someone with you.
It is rare to have any problems after a fluorescein angiogram. There is a very small risk of having a severe allergic reaction to the dye (anaphylaxis). This would happen during or soon after you have the dye. The medical team looking after you will know what to do if this happens.
Rarely the cannula site can become red and painful. It may also look swollen. Check who you should contact if you have any concerns or questions when you are at home.
You may have to wait to get the results. Ask your doctor or nurse how long it will take to get them. Contact the doctor who arranged the test if you haven’t heard anything after a couple of weeks.
Waiting for results can make you anxious. It may help to talk to a close friend or relative about how you feel.
Last reviewed: 26 Nov 2024
Next review due: 26 Nov 2027
You usually have a number of tests to diagnose eye cancer. The tests you might have include an eye examination and a test to look at the blood vessels in your eye (fluorescein angiogram).
Eye cancer includes different types of cancer. The type of cancer you have depends on the type of cell it starts in.
Your treatment depends on several factors. These include what type of eye cancer you have, how big it is and whether it has spread (the stage). It also depends on your general health.
Eye cancer includes different types of cancer. The type of eye cancer you have depends on the type of cell it starts in. There are different parts of the eye, and some of these are more likely to get cancer than others.
Find out about tests to diagnose cancer and monitor it during and after treatment, including what each test can show, how you have it and how to prepare.
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