We have two special high resolution cameras for fluorescein and ICG angiography. These include the latest Eye-Tracking Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope HRA+ICG SPECTRALIS from Heidelberg Engineering and digital Fluorescein and ICG angiography cameras from TOPCON Corporation.

Fluorescein angiography is a test to visualise the blood vessels and other structures of the retina and choroid (the network of blood vessels directly underneath the retina). The test is done by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm or back of hand (like having a blood test) and injecting the fluorescein (yellow) dye. As the yellow dye circulates at the back of the eye, a series of images are taken. This test takes about 10 minutes and the results are available immediately. Fluorescein angiography is a very useful and commonly performed test at Strathfield Retina Clinic. It gives more information about the diagnosis of retinal conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusions and central serous retinopathy. It is used to guide treatment such as thermal laser surgery and can give prognostic information about whether treatments are likely to be successful or not.

Indocyanine Green (ICG) is another test to visualise the blood vessels and other deeper structures of the choroid. The test is performed by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm or back of hand and injecting the ICG (green) dye. The ICG dye at Strathfield Retina Clinic has had approval for use from the Australian TGA (Therapeutics Goods Administration). As the green dye circulates at the back of the eye, a series of images are taken. This test also takes about 10 minutes and the results are available immediately. Often ICG angiography is performed simultaneously with Fluorescein angiography. ICG angiography is used to give more information about the deeper layers beneath the retina and can be useful to help diagnose and differentiate conditions such as Macular Degeneration, Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy, Central Serous Retinopathy, certain eye tumours and inflammatory conditions of the retina and choroid.

The Fundus Autofluorescence is a non-invasive digital eye scan of the retina and macular by special digital cameras or scanning laser ophthalmoscopes.

Fundus autofluorescence uses the naturally occurring fluorescence from the retina to provide an indicator of eye health. Illuminating the retina with a blue light causes a “glow” without injecting any dye. This glow (fluorescence) returning from the retina can be used to create a black-and-white image which can be interpreted by recognizing characteristic patterns.

There is no radiation involved and this test is safe in pregnancy.

Fundus Autofluorescence digital eye scan assess the health status of the deeper layers of the retina which gives useful information about the diagnosis and prognosis of certain disorders such as Macular Degeneration, central serous retinopathy and genetic retinal conditions such as retinal dystrophies and retinitis pigmentosa.

Strathfield Retina Clinic has two Fundus autofluorescence eye scanners utilising the Heidelberg Spectralis scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) and Topcon Digital Fundus Camera.