Tag: Retinal Diseases

What is a Fluorescein Angiogram

Fluorescein angiography is a common diagnostic test used primarily by a retina specialist for certain retinal diseases, such as…

A fluorescein angiogram is a diagnostic test used to study diseases of the retina. While any ophthalmologist may perform this test, a retina specialist uses this single test more than any other type of doctor.

Patients with the following diseases are likely to require a fluorescein angiogram (FA):

Diabetes
ARMD – macular degeneration
Macular edema
Retinal vascular occlusions

As the name implies, fluorescein dye used to study abnormalities in the retina and of its blood supply

The Fluorescein Angiogram

An FA is performed by injecting this vegetable-based dye into a vein. We usually choose an arm vein because it allows easy access for the doctor or technician.

The dye is slowly injected and will reach the eye in about 15 seconds under normal conditions. Patients with heart conditions or abnormalities in blood flow to the eye may experience longer times for the dye to reach the eye. Pictures are taken as the dye flows through the retina.

Abnormalities of retinal blood flow, degeneration of the layers of the retina and retinal swelling can be easily detected with this test.

Is FA Safe?

As with any injectable, there are possible complications. Overall, the fluorescein angiogram is a safe test, but your doctor should talk to about a few possible side effects.

Nausea and vomiting are the most common side effects, but usually occur during the test and pass quickly. Itching and hives can occur and, very rarely, anaphylaxis is possible.

Be aware that the fluorescein dye is unique to ophthalmology and has no relation to diagnostic contrast dyes used in radiologic testing such as MRIs.

If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call us (877) 245.2020.

Nader Moinfar, M.D., M.P.H.
Retina Specialist
Orlando, FL

Diseases of the Macula | Distortion

Here’s a short list of retinal diseases that cause metamorphopsia….aka distortion.

Distortion in the vision is usually caused by a disease of the macula. The macula is the functional center of the vision. It is a small area of the retina, yet it yields the most sensitive visual acuity (i.e. 20/20) and our best color perception.

Any change in this tiny area can yield visual distortion: e.g. the perception that objects are crooked, yet we know they are straight. An example is a line of text or the straightness of a telephone pole

Causes of Distortion

There are many macular diseases that may distort the vision. Any disease that causes swelling of the macula or physically changes the macula can cause distortion.

Here’s a short list of a variety of diseases evaluated and treated by a retina specialist:

Diabetic Macular Edema – a common complication of diabetic retinopathy. The macula actually swells due to leaky blood vessels affected by diabetes.

Epiretinal Membrane – also known as macular pucker or cellophane maculpathy. A membrane actually develops on the surface of the retina causing physical distortion of the retinal surface.

Macular Hole – a distinct “stretch hole” develops in the center of the macula causing blind spots and distortion.

Macular Degeneration – either form, wet or dry, can cause distortion.

Retinal Vascular Occlusions – these include retinal vein occlusions and retinal artery occlusions. Macular edema often is associated with occlusion which may cause distortion.

Evaluation of Distortion

I usually recommend that anyone who notices a persistent change in vision, including distortion, call their eye doctor. Problems with the retina usually don’t wax and wane, thus, they don’t cause temporary or fleeting symptoms.

Any one who has complaints of distortion may need to have:

  • Dilated Eye Exam
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • OCT – Optical Coherence Tomography

Treatment of Distortion

Treatment options are geared toward repairing the physical disruption of the retina. Vitrectomy eye surgery is indicated as in the cases of macular holes and epiretinal membranes. Macular swelling can be treated with a variety of non-surgical methods including drops, injections or laser.

If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call us (877) 245.2020.

Nader Moinfar, M.D., M.P.H.
Retina Specialist
Orlando, FL

Jon Doe