FFA (Fundus Fluorescein Angiography)

A Detailed Map of the Blood Vessels Inside Your Eye

The tiny blood vessels of the retina can reveal a great deal about the health of your eye — but they are far too small and complex to examine properly with a standard eye check. FFA is a specialised imaging procedure that maps these vessels in extraordinary detail, revealing leaks, blockages, and areas of abnormal growth that would be completely invisible in any ordinary examination.

What Is Fundus Fluorescein Angiography?

A special fluorescent dye called fluorescein is injected into a vein in your arm. It travels through the bloodstream and reaches the blood vessels of your retina within seconds. A specialised camera then captures a rapid series of photographs as the dye flows through the retinal circulation. Every vessel is highlighted with remarkable clarity — showing leaks, blockages, swelling, and abnormal new vessel growth that could never be detected any other way.

Conditions FFA Can Diagnose

• Diabetic retinopathy — damage to retinal blood vessels caused by diabetes
• Wet macular degeneration — abnormal new vessel growth beneath the retina
• Retinal vein and artery blockages that cut off blood supply
• Macular oedema — swelling at the very centre of the retina
• Abnormal new vessels growing beneath the retina
• Inflammatory conditions affecting the retina and choroid

What Happens During FFA?

Step 1 — Dilating the Pupils

Eye drops are used to widen your pupils so the camera can capture a full and clear view of the entire retina. This takes around 20 to 30 minutes to take full effect.

Step 2 — The Dye Injection

A small amount of fluorescein dye is injected into a vein in your arm. You may notice a brief warm sensation as it enters your bloodstream — this passes within seconds and is completely harmless.

Step 3 — Photography

As the dye reaches your retina, the camera begins taking a rapid series of photographs capturing the dye as it flows through every vessel. The active photography phase takes around 10 minutes.

Step 4 — Results

Images are reviewed by your retinal specialist immediately. Findings are explained clearly and honestly at the same appointment, and a treatment plan is discussed if any action is needed.

What to Expect Afterwards

Your vision will be blurred from the dilating drops for two to four hours — please arrange transport home as you should not drive during this period. Your skin and urine may appear slightly yellowish for 24 to 48 hours as the dye leaves your body naturally. This is harmless and completely expected.

Why Patients Trust RGC Eye Hospital

• High-resolution FFA camera for sharp, detailed images of every retinal vessel
• Experienced retinal specialists who interpret every image with precision
• Results discussed clearly with you on the same day — no long waiting periods
• FFA findings directly guide our decisions on laser treatment, injections, and surgery