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It is a test which can show the condition of the blood circulation in the eyes. In many cases it can help the doctor to establish the diagnosis and to decide on the best form of treatment.
Drops are used to enlarge the pupils. You will have to wait for about 30 minutes for the drops to take effect. This causes some blurring of the vision for a few hours.
Once your pupils are enlarged you will be seated in a darkened room and the photographer will take some photographs using a bright flash.
A doctor or nurse will then inject a small quantity of Fluorescein dye in your arm. The dye travels through the blood vessels and reaches the eye in a few seconds. A series of photographs will then be taken.
The test itself takes approximately 20 minutes. After the test you will be asked to wait 30 minutes before leaving the hospital.
No x-rays or radioactive materials are used and we do not need to touch your eyes.
The films have to be carefully studied so you will be given the results at your next clinic appointment.
The dye gives the skin over the entire body a yellow tinge. Your urine and skin will be coloured bright yellow at first and gradually fade back to normal after 1-2 days.
A small number of people may feel slightly sick when the dye is injected, but the feeling rarely lasts for more than 2 minutes.
If you are diabetic the colouring may temporarily confuse the results of a urine sugar test.
The dye makes skin sensitive to sunlight so it is advisable that you avoid prolonged strong sunlight for 2 hours after the test.
Your vision will be blurred and sensitive to light for a few hours after the test due to the drops. For this reason you should not drive yourself home, it is advisable that someone comes with you and that you bring a pair of sunglasses.
In very rare circumstances some people experience an allergic reaction to the Fluorescein dye so please tell us if you have any allergies (E.g. Bronchial asthma, allergies to medications or have had a reaction to this test before.)
Serious complications are extremely rare.
Please note: If you have Asthma or Angina please bring your medication to the clinic appointment.
For legal reasons before the test can be carried out you will be asked to sign a form giving your consent to the procedure.
University Hospitals Plymouth
Royal Eye Infirmary
