Angiography

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

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 Angiography

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.