Fluorescein angiography is performed in our rooms for the diagnosis and management of many eye diseases.
It is a very useful and commonly performed test in ophthalmology, and is routinely used for patients with age-related macular degeneration and diabetes.
The test has some side effects. Please note these are NOT allergies:
- your skin will be an orange or even greenish colour for several hours before returning to normal
- around 10% of patients who have the dye feel nauseous, and 1% may vomit. This is related to the composition of the dye, and some people are more sensitive than others. The feeling usually passes within 30-60 seconds. We do NOT routinely recommend or administer prophylactic anti-nausea drugs as these can have their own unwanted effects in susceptible individuals
- your urine will be yellow or green for a day or two while you excrete the dye
It is also possible to have an allergic reaction to the dye:
- Mild: an itchy rash (“hives”). This occurs in 2-5% of patients
- Moderate: eg wheeze, bronchospasm (asthma) or difficulty breathing
- Severe: ANAPHYLAXIS. This is extremely serious
It is possible to die as a result of the test: the risk of death from the investigation quoted in the scientific literature is between 1:50,000 – 1: 200,000.
Allergic reactions can occur up to 6 hours after the dye is administered. If you experience itch, wheeze, or feel unwell after the test, call an ambulance on 000 and tell them you are having an allergic reaction after intravenous fluorescein.
If you display any allergic symptoms while you are in our rooms, we will provide supportive treatment as necessary while waiting for an ambulance to transport you to hospital for observation or treatment.