{"id":1878,"date":"2026-10-20T08:51:46","date_gmt":"2026-10-20T08:51:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/eye-tests-diagnostics\/fluorescein-angiography\/"},"modified":"2026-10-20T12:57:44","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T12:57:44","slug":"fluorescein-angiography","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-tests-diagnostics\/fluorescein-angiography\/","title":{"rendered":"Fluorescein angiography (FFA)"},"content":{"rendered":"<!-- Hero (Photo + summary card) Start -->\n<section class=\"page-hero\" id=\"top\">\n\t<div class=\"phero-inner pad with-media container-fluid\"><div class=\"row\">\n\t\t<div class=\"phero-left col-12 col-lg-7\">\n\t\t\t<div data-hero-in><ol class=\"crumbs\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumb\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/\">Home: eye surgery in Istanbul<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/treatments\/\">All eye treatments<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-tests-diagnostics\/\">Eye examinations &#038; diagnostic tests<\/a><\/li><li><span aria-current=\"page\">Fluorescein angiography (FFA)<\/span><\/li><\/ol><\/div>\t\t\t<h1 class=\"t64 hero-title phero-title\" data-lines>Fluorescein Angiography (FFA): The Dye Test That Shows Your Retina&#039;s Blood Vessels<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"t22 phero-lead\" data-hero-in>Fluorescein angiography is an eye test in which a harmless yellow dye is injected into a vein in your arm and a special camera photographs the dye as it flows through the blood vessels at the back of your eye. It shows leaking, blocked or abnormal vessels that an ordinary eye examination cannot, so it helps your surgeon decide whether you need treatment for the retina, and which. At Laser Istanbul Clinic it is requested when your retina surgeon needs to see blood flow, and your surgeon explains the pictures with you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"phero-ctas\" data-hero-in><a class=\"pill pill-white\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/free-consultation\/\"><span class=\"pill-dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"pill-label\">Send us your retinal scans for a free review<\/span><\/a><a class=\"pill pill-line\" href=\"https:\/\/wa.me\/4915783739465?text=Hello%20Laser%20Istanbul%20Clinic%2C%20I%20would%20like%20some%20information%20about%20eye%20treatment.%20Sent%20from%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Flaseristanbulclinic.com%2Fen%2F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"pill-dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"pill-label\">WhatsApp us: +49 157 8373 9465<\/span><\/a><\/div><ul class=\"phero-meta\" data-hero-in><li><svg width=\"16\" height=\"16\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg>Medically reviewed by <span class=\"ph\">{{surgeon}}<\/span> \u00b7 Last reviewed <span class=\"ph\">{{date}}<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"phero-right has-media col-12 col-lg-5\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"phero-media\" data-hero-in><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"603\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/slit-lamp-eye-examination.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Eye examination at a slit lamp\" fetchpriority=\"high\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/slit-lamp-eye-examination.webp 603w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/slit-lamp-eye-examination-268x300.webp 268w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 603px) 100vw, 603px\" \/><\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"inshort\" data-hero-in><p>Fluorescein angiography (FFA, or FA) is a retinal imaging test. Fluorescein dye is injected into an arm vein and reaches the eye in about 10 to 15 seconds, and a camera takes photographs as it fills the retinal vessels. The test is typically completed in under 30 minutes. It is used to diagnose and plan treatment for macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease and retinal vein blockage. Do\u00e7. Dr. Muhammet Derda \u00d6zer and Op. Dr. Aysan Bayram read retinal angiograms.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<!-- Hero (Photo + summary card) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Heading (Intro: heading left, text right) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad\" id=\"what-is-fluorescein-angiography-and-what-does-the-dye-do\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><div class=\"intro-grid row\"><div class=\"intro-side col-12\"><h2 class=\"t48\" data-reveal>What is fluorescein angiography and what does the dye do?<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"copy prose col-12\"><p data-reveal>Fluorescein angiography is a photographic test of the blood supply of the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye, and of the layer of vessels beneath it, the choroid. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) describes it as a test in which the ophthalmologist uses a special camera to take pictures of your retina.<\/p>\n<p data-reveal>The test works because of the dye. <strong>Fluorescein<\/strong> is a yellow dye that glows (fluoresces) when blue light shines on it. The camera uses a blue flash and a filter so that only the glowing dye shows up in the picture. Healthy vessels hold the dye inside them and appear as a clean, sharply outlined network. Damaged vessels look different: they may leak dye into the retina, be blocked so the dye cannot enter, or be new, abnormal vessels that were not there before. No X-rays or radioactive materials are used.<\/p>\n<p data-reveal>Fluorescein angiography is often called <strong>FFA<\/strong> (fundus fluorescein angiography), <strong>FA<\/strong>, or simply an &#8220;eye angiogram&#8221;. All the names mean the same test. It should not be confused with OCT angiography, a different, dye-free scan described below.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Heading (Intro: heading left, text right) End -->\n\n\n<!-- FAQ (Question and answer rows) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad\" id=\"what-is-fluorescein-angiography-used-for-indications\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t\t<h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>What is fluorescein angiography used for? Indications<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"t22 sec-lead\" data-reveal>Your surgeon requests an FFA when there is a question about blood flow, leakage or new vessel growth in the retina that a normal examination or an OCT scan has not fully answered. The AAO lists the following conditions that fluorescein angiography helps identify:<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"prose sec-pre\"><ul data-reveal>\n<li><strong>Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)<\/strong>, especially the &#8220;wet&#8221; form with abnormal new vessels<\/li>\n<li><strong>Diabetic retinopathy<\/strong> and diabetic macular oedema (swelling of the central retina)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Retinal vein occlusion<\/strong>, a blockage in the veins that drain the retina (branch or central)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Macular oedema<\/strong> from other causes<\/li>\n<li><strong>Macular pucker<\/strong> (a membrane on the surface of the macula)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ocular melanoma<\/strong> (a tumour inside the eye)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-reveal>EyeWiki, the AAO&#8217;s clinical wiki, adds choroiditis (inflammation of the choroid), Stargardt&#8217;s disease and drusen to the list of conditions that show up on the test. It also notes that fluorescein angiography is used to track how a disease progresses and to target treatment.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"qa-list\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qa-row\" data-reveal><div class=\"row\"><h3 class=\"qa-q col-12 col-lg-4\">Fluorescein angiography indications by condition<\/h3><div class=\"qa-a prose col-12 col-lg-8\"><div class=\"tbl-wrap\" data-reveal><table class=\"tbl rsp\"><thead><tr><th scope=\"col\">Condition<\/th><th scope=\"col\">What the AAO says FFA is used for<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\">Wet AMD<\/th><td data-label=\"What the AAO says FFA is used for\">To find the presence, extent, type, size and location of abnormal new vessels (macular neovascularisation); to guide treatment; to detect persistent or recurrent vessels after treatment<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Diabetic eye disease<\/th><td data-label=\"What the AAO says FFA is used for\">To tell diabetic macular oedema apart from other macular disease; to investigate unexplained vision loss; to show areas of lost blood supply (capillary non-perfusion)<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Retinal vein occlusion<\/th><td data-label=\"What the AAO says FFA is used for\">To show how much of the vessel is blocked, how poor the blood supply is (ischaemia) and how extensive the macular swelling is<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Unexplained blurred vision<\/th><td data-label=\"What the AAO says FFA is used for\">To look for a cause when the examination does not explain the loss of sight<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qa-row\" data-reveal><div class=\"row\"><h3 class=\"qa-q col-12 col-lg-4\">When is FFA not needed?<\/h3><div class=\"qa-a prose col-12 col-lg-8\"><p data-reveal>The AAO&#8217;s retina benchmarks state that fluorescein angiography is <strong>not<\/strong> part of the regular examination of people with diabetes. Many patients have a retinal check, photographs and an OCT scan and never need an angiogram. It is requested when the answer will change what is done next, not as a routine test.<\/p><div class=\"links-row\" data-reveal><a class=\"link-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/retina-surgery-turkey\/\">Retina surgery: vitrectomy and retinal detachment repair <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- FAQ (Question and answer rows) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Image + Text (Image left, text right) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad split-sec\" id=\"why-you-may-need-ffa-before-retinal-treatment\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><div class=\"split\"><div class=\"row\">\n\t\t<div class=\"split-media col-12 col-lg-6\" data-reveal><div class=\"media\" data-parallax><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/corneal-topography-map-819x1024.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Corneal topography map\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 991px) 100vw, 50vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/corneal-topography-map-819x1024.webp 819w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/corneal-topography-map-240x300.webp 240w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/corneal-topography-map-768x960.webp 768w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/corneal-topography-map.webp 1200w\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"split-copy col-12 col-lg-6\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t48\" data-reveal>Why you may need FFA before retinal treatment<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"prose\" data-reveal><p data-reveal>A retinal angiogram is a planning tool. A surgeon deciding between injections into the eye, retinal laser or surgery needs to know exactly where vessels are leaking or closed. The AAO&#8217;s age-related macular degeneration guidance says fluorescein angiography is indicated to guide treatment, and to detect persistent or recurrent abnormal vessels after treatment. For diabetic eye disease the same guidance notes it can explain vision loss that does not respond to treatment, and can reveal areas of untreated capillary non-perfusion that may explain persistent new vessel growth after previous laser.<\/p>\n<p data-reveal>For overseas patients there is a practical reason too. If you already have a diagnosis, such as wet AMD or a vein occlusion, and you send us your reports and scans, we can tell you whether a repeat angiogram is likely to be needed before treatment, so that the plan is clear before you travel.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Image + Text (Image left, text right) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Heading (Intro: heading left, text right) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad\" id=\"fluorescein-angiography-procedure-what-to-expect-step-by-ste\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><div class=\"intro-grid row\"><div class=\"intro-side col-12\"><h2 class=\"t48\" data-reveal>Fluorescein angiography procedure: what to expect step by step<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"copy prose col-12\"><p data-reveal>The following steps combine the AAO&#8217;s description with hospital eye-clinic leaflets from the NHS (Moorfields Eye Hospital, Gloucestershire Hospitals and Dudley Group NHS trusts).<\/p><div class=\"list-card\" data-reveal><h3>Before the test<\/h3><ul class=\"check-list\"><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><strong>You can usually eat and drink normally<\/strong> and take your medicines as usual. The Moorfields leaflet says so; the Dudley leaflet suggests avoiding a heavy meal beforehand. Your coordinator confirms the instructions for your appointment.<\/span><\/li><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><strong>Tell the team about allergies<\/strong>, especially to shellfish, iodine or fluorescein, and about asthma, heart or breathing problems, kidney dialysis, photosensitive epilepsy, and any chance that you are pregnant or are breastfeeding. Bring a list of your medicines and your glasses.<\/span><\/li><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><strong>Arrange to travel with someone<\/strong>, and bring sunglasses. Your pupils will be dilated.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"list-card\" data-reveal><h3>During the test<\/h3><ol class=\"plain-ol\"><li><strong>Your vision is checked<\/strong> and your health history is reviewed. Consent is explained and you can ask questions.<\/li><li><strong>Eye drops dilate your pupils.<\/strong> This takes around 30 minutes to work, according to NHS leaflets.<\/li><li><strong>You sit at the camera,<\/strong> with your chin on a rest and your arm supported. A first set of photographs is taken before any dye is injected.<\/li><li><strong>A small tube (cannula) is placed in a vein<\/strong> in your arm or the back of your hand.<\/li><li><strong>The dye is injected.<\/strong> According to the AAO it reaches the blood vessels of the eye in about 10 to 15 seconds. Moorfields notes you may feel a hot flush as the dye goes in.<\/li><li><strong>A rapid series of flash photographs is taken<\/strong> while the dye enters and fills the retinal vessels. You are asked to hold your eye still and look where the photographer asks. The flash is bright but painless.<\/li><li><strong>Later pictures are taken<\/strong> over the next several minutes to see whether the dye leaks or pools.<\/li><\/ol><\/div><p data-reveal><strong>How long does fluorescein angiography take?<\/strong> The AAO says the test is typically completed in under 30 minutes. The Moorfields leaflet gives 10 to 30 minutes for the test itself and asks patients to allow one to two hours in the department for checks before and after. The Dudley leaflet likewise gives 20 to 30 minutes for the test and about 2 hours for the visit.<\/p>\n<p data-reveal><strong>After the test:<\/strong> staff may keep you waiting briefly (15 minutes in one NHS leaflet) to be sure that you feel well. Your surgeon then goes through what the images show.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Heading (Intro: heading left, text right) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Table (Table on a dark panel) Start -->\n<section class=\"panel dark\" id=\"fluorescein-angiography-aftercare-the-first-24-to-48-hours\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t\t<h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>Fluorescein angiography aftercare: the first 24 to 48 hours<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"t22 sec-lead\" data-reveal>Aftercare is simple, but a few effects surprise people if they are not warned.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"tbl-flow\"><div class=\"tbl-wrap\" data-reveal><table class=\"tbl rsp\"><thead><tr><th scope=\"col\">Effect<\/th><th scope=\"col\">What happens<\/th><th scope=\"col\">How long it lasts<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\">Blurred vision and light sensitivity<\/th><td data-label=\"What happens\">Caused by the dilating drops, not the dye<\/td><td data-label=\"How long it lasts\">Several hours; Moorfields says near vision can be blurred for five to six hours<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Yellow skin<\/th><td data-label=\"What happens\">A slight yellow tinge<\/td><td data-label=\"How long it lasts\">Returns to normal within hours (AAO); a day or two (NHS leaflets)<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Bright yellow or orange urine<\/th><td data-label=\"What happens\">The kidneys clear the dye<\/td><td data-label=\"How long it lasts\">Up to 24 hours (AAO); one to two days (Moorfields, Gloucestershire)<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Yellowish tinge to vision<\/th><td data-label=\"What happens\">Dye in the blood<\/td><td data-label=\"How long it lasts\">Briefly, usually minutes (AAO)<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Higher blood sugar readings<\/th><td data-label=\"What happens\">Dye can temporarily affect readings if you have diabetes<\/td><td data-label=\"How long it lasts\">Temporary (Gloucestershire leaflet)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><p data-reveal><strong>Driving:<\/strong> do not drive or operate machinery until your pupils have returned to normal size (Dudley leaflet), and arrange a lift home.<\/p>\n<p data-reveal><strong>Seek urgent help<\/strong> if you develop skin blotches, irritation or breathing difficulty after the test; the Gloucestershire leaflet says to go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Allergic reactions are rare, and staff keep you under observation for the period when they are most likely.<\/p><\/div>\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Table (Table on a dark panel) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Table (Table on a tinted panel) Start -->\n<section class=\"panel\" id=\"what-do-the-images-show-how-an-ffa-is-read\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t\t<h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>What do the images show? How an FFA is read<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"t22 sec-lead\" data-reveal>An FFA is a series of photographs taken in seconds, so the <em>timing<\/em> of each picture matters as much as the picture itself. EyeWiki describes the phases as follows.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"tbl-flow\"><div class=\"tbl-wrap\" data-reveal><table class=\"tbl rsp\"><thead><tr><th scope=\"col\">Phase<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Approximate time after injection<\/th><th scope=\"col\">What your surgeon sees<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\">Choroidal flush<\/th><td data-label=\"Approximate time after injection\">8\u201312 seconds<\/td><td data-label=\"What your surgeon sees\">The deeper layer of vessels beneath the retina begins to fill<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Retinal circulation appears<\/th><td data-label=\"Approximate time after injection\">11\u201318 seconds<\/td><td data-label=\"What your surgeon sees\">Dye enters the retinal vessels<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Peak fluorescence<\/th><td data-label=\"Approximate time after injection\">About 30 seconds<\/td><td data-label=\"What your surgeon sees\">The vessel network is at its brightest and clearest<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Recirculation<\/th><td data-label=\"Approximate time after injection\">3\u20135 minutes<\/td><td data-label=\"What your surgeon sees\">Dye returns in a weaker second pass<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">End of the study<\/th><td data-label=\"Approximate time after injection\">About 10 minutes<\/td><td data-label=\"What your surgeon sees\">Late leakage or staining is checked<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><p data-reveal>The surgeon looks for two patterns:<\/p>\n<ul data-reveal>\n<li><strong>Hyperfluorescence (too bright)<\/strong>: dye leaking out of fragile vessels, dye staining tissue, dye pooling in fluid-filled spaces, or &#8220;window defects&#8221; where the pigment layer is thin. Leakage is a sign of incompetent vessels or swelling.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hypofluorescence (too dark)<\/strong>: areas where dye cannot be seen, either because something blocks the view (blood, for example) or because the vessels are blocked, as in a retinal vessel occlusion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-reveal>Your surgeon reads these patterns together with your examination and OCT scan. No single image gives a diagnosis on its own.<\/p>\n<p data-reveal><em>Optional media:<\/em> <span class=\"ph\">{{short patient explainer video of an FFA, with a transcript}}<\/span><\/p><\/div>\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Table (Table on a tinted panel) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Heading (Intro: heading left, text right) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad\" id=\"fluorescein-angiography-side-effects-and-safety\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><div class=\"intro-grid row\"><div class=\"intro-side col-12\"><h2 class=\"t48\" data-reveal>Fluorescein angiography side effects and safety<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"copy prose col-12\"><p data-reveal><strong>Is fluorescein angiography safe?<\/strong> It is widely used and generally well tolerated, but it is an injection, so side effects can occur. The most common are short-lived: nausea, sometimes vomiting, a warm flush and the yellow discolouration described above.<\/p>\n<p data-reveal>How often side effects occur depends on the study:<\/p>\n<ul data-reveal>\n<li>In a prospective study of 2,789 angiograms in 2,025 patients (Kwiterovich and colleagues, <em>Ophthalmology<\/em>, 1991), adverse reactions followed 4.8% of procedures: nausea 2.9%, vomiting 1.2%, flushing, itching or hives 0.5%, and other reactions such as breathlessness or fainting 0.2%. There were no severe reactions in that study.<\/li>\n<li>The Moorfields leaflet advises that about one in ten patients might feel nauseous, short of breath or develop a brief rash, which rarely lasts more than a few seconds.<\/li>\n<li>Serious reactions (anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest, bronchospasm) are rare. EyeWiki quotes a death rate of about 1 in 221,781 procedures.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-reveal>Anyone who has had a reaction before is at higher risk: in the Kwiterovich study the reaction rate on a repeat test was 48.6%, against 1.8% in patients who had tolerated a previous test. Tell your surgeon about any earlier reaction.<\/p><div class=\"list-card\" data-reveal><h3>Other points to tell the team about:<\/h3><ul class=\"check-list\"><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><strong>Pregnancy:<\/strong> EyeWiki states that no serious adverse events have been reported in pregnancy, but the test is considered a contraindication. Tell us if you are or may be pregnant.<\/span><\/li><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><strong>Breastfeeding:<\/strong> NHS leaflets ask you to tell the nurse if you are breastfeeding, so the team can advise on your situation.<\/span><\/li><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><strong>Allergy and asthma:<\/strong> the Moorfields leaflet says the test is used cautiously in patients allergic to shellfish or seafood.<\/span><\/li><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><strong>Photosensitive epilepsy:<\/strong> Moorfields notes that in rare instances flash photography may trigger a seizure.<\/span><\/li><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><strong>Diabetes:<\/strong> blood sugar readings may be temporarily higher.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><p data-reveal>The AAO states that every angiographic facility should have a care plan for emergencies and a clear protocol to minimise and manage complications.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Heading (Intro: heading left, text right) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Table (Table on a dark panel) Start -->\n<section class=\"panel dark\" id=\"fluorescein-angiography-vs-oct-and-oct-angiography\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t\t<h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>Fluorescein angiography vs OCT and OCT angiography<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"t22 sec-lead\" data-reveal>Most patients having an FFA also have an <strong>OCT scan<\/strong>, and the two answer different questions. The AAO describes OCT as a non-invasive test using light waves to take cross-section pictures of the retina, letting the surgeon see its layers and measure their thickness. OCT shows <em>structure<\/em>; FFA shows <em>blood flow and leakage<\/em>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"tbl-flow\"><p data-reveal><strong>OCT angiography (OCTA)<\/strong> is a newer, dye-free scan that maps blood flow. According to Fayed and Fawzi (Review of Ophthalmology, 2019), OCTA avoids the dye, shows the retinal capillary layers separately, and is not obscured by leakage. Fluorescein angiography still shows a much wider area of the retina and choroid, is more sensitive to low-flow lesions such as microaneurysms, and captures leakage over time, which static OCTA images cannot. The AAO says OCTA has not replaced other angiographic methods in macular degeneration.<\/p><div class=\"tbl-wrap\" data-reveal><table class=\"tbl rsp\"><thead><tr><th scope=\"col\"><\/th><th scope=\"col\">FFA<\/th><th scope=\"col\">OCT<\/th><th scope=\"col\">OCT angiography<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\">Needs an injection<\/th><td data-label=\"FFA\">Yes<\/td><td data-label=\"OCT\">No<\/td><td data-label=\"OCT angiography\">No<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Shows<\/th><td data-label=\"FFA\">Blood flow, leakage, blocked vessels<\/td><td data-label=\"OCT\">Cross-section structure and thickness<\/td><td data-label=\"OCT angiography\">Blood flow in separate capillary layers<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Best for<\/th><td data-label=\"FFA\">Leakage, wide-field blood supply, unexplained vision loss<\/td><td data-label=\"OCT\">Swelling, fluid, retinal layers<\/td><td data-label=\"OCT angiography\">Capillary detail without dye<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><p class=\"note-sm\" data-reveal>The right combination depends on your condition. Your surgeon decides which tests you need.<\/p><div class=\"links-row\" data-reveal><a class=\"link-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-tests-diagnostics\/oct-scan\/\">OCT scan (optical coherence tomography) <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/div>\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Table (Table on a dark panel) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Image + Text (Text left, image right) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad split-sec\" id=\"fluorescein-angiography-on-the-nhs-and-abroad\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><div class=\"split rev\"><div class=\"row\">\n\t\t<div class=\"split-media col-12 col-lg-6\" data-reveal><div class=\"media\" data-parallax><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/eye-surgeons-reviewing-scans-istanbul.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Eye surgeons reviewing scans together in a diagnostic room\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 991px) 100vw, 50vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/eye-surgeons-reviewing-scans-istanbul.webp 1024w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/eye-surgeons-reviewing-scans-istanbul-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/eye-surgeons-reviewing-scans-istanbul-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/eye-surgeons-reviewing-scans-istanbul-768x768.webp 768w\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"split-copy col-12 col-lg-6\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t48\" data-reveal>Fluorescein angiography on the NHS and abroad<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"prose\" data-reveal><p data-reveal><strong>Fluorescein angiography on the NHS<\/strong> is carried out in hospital eye clinics when an ophthalmologist asks for it. The leaflets quoted above come from NHS trusts, and they show how a routine appointment works: dilating drops, a cannula, a series of photographs, and results either on the day or at your next appointment. Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, for example, tells patients that provisional results may be given straight away, otherwise at the next outpatient appointment, and that urgent findings are phoned to the patient.<\/p>\n<p data-reveal>If you already have NHS or private angiograms, our surgeons can review them first. If a new angiogram is needed, it can be done as part of your pre-operative examination in Istanbul.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Image + Text (Text left, image right) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Heading (Intro: heading left, text right) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad\" id=\"fluorescein-angiography-cost\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><div class=\"intro-grid row\"><div class=\"intro-side col-12\"><h2 class=\"t48\" data-reveal>Fluorescein angiography cost<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"copy prose col-12\"><p data-reveal><strong>Fluorescein angiography is part of the pre-operative examination and scans<\/strong> that are included in the price of treatment at Laser Istanbul Clinic whenever your retina surgeon requests it. If you only want an angiogram and a retina assessment, for example a second opinion before deciding on injections or surgery, a standalone retinal examination with FFA costs <span class=\"ph\">{{\u00a3 price for a standalone retinal examination with FFA}}<\/span>. The price includes your surgeon&#8217;s review, your personal interpreter and follow-up by your coordinator.<\/p>\n<p data-reveal>Hotel and airport transfers are not included and are a separate charge if you would like us to arrange them. Flights are not included.<\/p>\n<p data-reveal>If you are comparing &#8220;eye angiography cost&#8221; figures, check what each price covers: the dye and camera work, the specialist&#8217;s report and the consultation are sometimes charged separately.<\/p>\n<p data-reveal>You can send recent angiograms, OCT scans and reports from your own clinic for a free initial review before you decide to travel.<\/p><div class=\"links-row\" data-reveal><a class=\"link-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/free-consultation\/\">Free online consultation: upload your prescription and scans <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Heading (Intro: heading left, text right) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Image + Text (Image left, text right) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad split-sec\" id=\"who-reads-your-angiogram\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><div class=\"split\"><div class=\"row\">\n\t\t<div class=\"split-media col-12 col-lg-6\" data-reveal><div class=\"media\" data-parallax><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blue-eye-close-up.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Close-up of a blue eye\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 991px) 100vw, 50vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blue-eye-close-up.webp 1024w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blue-eye-close-up-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blue-eye-close-up-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blue-eye-close-up-768x768.webp 768w\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"split-copy col-12 col-lg-6\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t48\" data-reveal>Who reads your angiogram<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"prose\" data-reveal><p data-reveal>Your pictures are read by the surgeon who will treat you. <strong>Do\u00e7. Dr. Muhammet Derda \u00d6zer<\/strong> (Do\u00e7. is the Turkish title for Associate Professor) is our retina specialist, with a focus on medical and surgical retina, uveitis and ocular oncology, so he reviews angiograms for retinal vascular disease, inflammation or an intraocular tumour. <strong>Op. Dr. Aysan Bayram<\/strong>, a female surgeon who speaks English, also treats retinal disease. If you have a cataract as well as a retinal problem, <strong>Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sat\u0131c\u0131<\/strong> can plan your lens surgery with the retinal findings in mind.<\/p>\n<p data-reveal>Your surgeon explains what the images show and which options are open to you, through your interpreter if you wish.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Image + Text (Image left, text right) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Table (Table on a tinted panel) Start -->\n<section class=\"panel\" id=\"treatments-fluorescein-angiography-supports\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t\t<h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>Treatments fluorescein angiography supports<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tbl-flow\"><div class=\"tbl-wrap\" data-reveal><table class=\"tbl rsp\"><thead><tr><th scope=\"col\">Condition or treatment<\/th><th scope=\"col\">How FFA is used<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\">Wet AMD and other macular disease<\/th><td data-label=\"How FFA is used\">Locates abnormal vessels and leakage; guides treatment; checks for recurrence<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Diabetic retinopathy and macular oedema<\/th><td data-label=\"How FFA is used\">Explains unexplained vision loss; maps areas of lost blood supply<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Retinal vein occlusion<\/th><td data-label=\"How FFA is used\">Shows the extent of blockage, ischaemia and macular swelling<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\"><a href=\"\/en\/retina-surgery-turkey\/\">Retina surgery: vitrectomy and retinal detachment<\/a><\/th><td data-label=\"How FFA is used\">Part of retinal assessment when the cause of vision loss needs to be clarified<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/div>\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Table (Table on a tinted panel) End -->\n\n\n<!-- List (Checklist cards) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad\" id=\"other-tests-in-your-eye-examination\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t<div class=\"sec-head is-center row\"><div class=\"col-12\"><h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>Other tests in your eye examination<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"col-12\"><p class=\"t22 sec-lead\" data-reveal>An angiogram is rarely the only test. Each of these answers a different question:<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"checklist row row-cols-1 row-cols-lg-2\" data-stagger>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"col\"><div class=\"ck-item h-100\"><svg width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><em>OCT scan (optical coherence tomography)<\/em>: cross-section scans of the retina (\/en\/eye-tests-diagnostics\/oct-scan\/)<\/span><\/div><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"col\"><div class=\"ck-item h-100\"><svg width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><em>Eye ultrasound (B-scan)<\/em>: imaging when the inside of the eye cannot be seen directly (\/en\/eye-tests-diagnostics\/eye-ultrasound\/)<\/span><\/div><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"col\"><div class=\"ck-item h-100\"><svg width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><em>Visual field test (perimetry)<\/em>: checks your side vision (\/en\/eye-tests-diagnostics\/visual-field-test\/)<\/span><\/div><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"col\"><div class=\"ck-item h-100\"><svg width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><em>Tonometry (eye pressure measurement)<\/em>: eye pressure, important for glaucoma checks (\/en\/eye-tests-diagnostics\/tonometry\/)<\/span><\/div><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"col\"><div class=\"ck-item h-100\"><svg width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><em>VEP &amp; ERG electrophysiology tests<\/em>: electrical responses of the retina and visual pathway (\/en\/eye-tests-diagnostics\/vep-erg-tests\/)<\/span><\/div><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"col\"><div class=\"ck-item h-100\"><svg width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><em>Corneal topography<\/em>: a map of the front of the eye (\/en\/eye-tests-diagnostics\/corneal-topography\/)<\/span><\/div><\/li>\n\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sec-foot-flow prose\"><div class=\"links-row\" data-reveal><a class=\"link-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-tests-diagnostics\/\">All eye examinations and diagnostic tests <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- List (Checklist cards) End -->\n\n\n<!-- FAQ (FAQ accordion) Start -->\n<section class=\"faq pad\" id=\"faq\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><div class=\"faq-grid\">\n\t<div class=\"faq-side\">\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t48\" data-reveal>Fluorescein angiography: frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"acc\" data-stagger>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item is-open\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"faq-ee715072-a1\" id=\"faq-ee715072-q1\">What is fluorescein angiography?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-ee715072-a1\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-ee715072-q1\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>Fluorescein angiography is an eye test in which a yellow dye is injected into a vein and a special camera photographs the dye as it passes through the blood vessels of the retina. It shows leakage, blockages and abnormal new vessels that cannot be seen on a normal examination.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-ee715072-a2\" id=\"faq-ee715072-q2\">What is fluorescein angiography used for?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-ee715072-a2\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-ee715072-q2\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>It is used to diagnose and plan treatment for wet macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and macular oedema, retinal vein occlusion and other retinal vessel disease, and to look for the cause of vision loss that an examination does not explain. It is also used to follow disease and to see whether treatment is working.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-ee715072-a3\" id=\"faq-ee715072-q3\">What are the indications for fluorescein angiography?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-ee715072-a3\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-ee715072-q3\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>Typical indications are new distortion or unexplained blurring of vision, macular swelling, fluid or bleeding under the retina, suspected abnormal new vessels, and checks for persistent or recurrent disease after treatment. The AAO notes it is not a routine test for everyone with diabetes.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-ee715072-a4\" id=\"faq-ee715072-q4\">How long does fluorescein angiography take?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-ee715072-a4\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-ee715072-q4\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>The AAO says the test is typically completed in under 30 minutes, and NHS leaflets give 10 to 30 minutes for the photography. Allow one to two hours in total because of the time the dilating drops take to work.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-ee715072-a5\" id=\"faq-ee715072-q5\">What are the side effects of fluorescein angiography?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-ee715072-a5\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-ee715072-q5\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>The common ones are nausea, occasionally vomiting, a warm flush, yellow skin and bright yellow urine. In one large study 4.8% of procedures were followed by a reaction, mostly nausea. Serious allergic reactions are rare. Tell the team about previous reactions, allergies and asthma beforehand.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-ee715072-a6\" id=\"faq-ee715072-q6\">Why is my urine yellow after an eye angiogram?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-ee715072-a6\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-ee715072-q6\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>The kidneys clear the dye through the urine, turning it bright yellow or orange. The AAO says this can last up to 24 hours; NHS leaflets say one to two days. Your skin may look slightly yellow for a few hours to a day or two. Both effects fade on their own.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-ee715072-a7\" id=\"faq-ee715072-q7\">Can I drive after fluorescein angiography?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-ee715072-a7\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-ee715072-q7\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>Not straight away. The dilating drops blur your vision for several hours, so arrange a lift home. NHS guidance is not to drive or use machinery until your pupils have returned to their normal size.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-ee715072-a8\" id=\"faq-ee715072-q8\">Is fluorescein angiography safe in pregnancy?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-ee715072-a8\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-ee715072-q8\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>It is considered a contraindication in pregnancy, although EyeWiki notes no serious adverse events have been reported. Tell us if you are or may be pregnant. If you are breastfeeding, tell the nurse so the team can advise you.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-ee715072-a9\" id=\"faq-ee715072-q9\">Is fluorescein angiography the same as OCT?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-ee715072-a9\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-ee715072-q9\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>No. OCT is a dye-free scan that shows the structure of the retina in cross-section. Fluorescein angiography shows blood flow and leakage. They are often used together, because each shows something the other cannot.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-ee715072-a10\" id=\"faq-ee715072-q10\">Is fluorescein angiography done on the NHS?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-ee715072-a10\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-ee715072-q10\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>Yes. NHS hospital eye clinics carry out fluorescein angiography when an ophthalmologist requests it. If you are weighing a second opinion abroad, send your angiograms and reports and our surgeons will review them.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-ee715072-a11\" id=\"faq-ee715072-q11\">How much does fluorescein angiography cost?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-ee715072-a11\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-ee715072-q11\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>It is part of the pre-operative scans included in our treatment prices when your retina surgeon requests it. A standalone retinal examination with FFA costs <span class=\"ph\">{{\u00a3 price for a standalone retinal examination with FFA}}<\/span>. Hotel and transfers are extra.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is fluorescein angiography?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Fluorescein angiography is an eye test in which a yellow dye is injected into a vein and a special camera photographs the dye as it passes through the blood vessels of the retina. 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The AAO notes it is not a routine test for everyone with diabetes.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How long does fluorescein angiography take?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The AAO says the test is typically completed in under 30 minutes, and NHS leaflets give 10 to 30 minutes for the photography. Allow one to two hours in total because of the time the dilating drops take to work.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What are the side effects of fluorescein angiography?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The common ones are nausea, occasionally vomiting, a warm flush, yellow skin and bright yellow urine. In one large study 4.8% of procedures were followed by a reaction, mostly nausea. Serious allergic reactions are rare. Tell the team about previous reactions, allergies and asthma beforehand.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Why is my urine yellow after an eye angiogram?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The kidneys clear the dye through the urine, turning it bright yellow or orange. The AAO says this can last up to 24 hours; NHS leaflets say one to two days. Your skin may look slightly yellow for a few hours to a day or two. Both effects fade on their own.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can I drive after fluorescein angiography?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Not straight away. The dilating drops blur your vision for several hours, so arrange a lift home. NHS guidance is not to drive or use machinery until your pupils have returned to their normal size.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is fluorescein angiography safe in pregnancy?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"It is considered a contraindication in pregnancy, although EyeWiki notes no serious adverse events have been reported. Tell us if you are or may be pregnant. If you are breastfeeding, tell the nurse so the team can advise you.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is fluorescein angiography the same as OCT?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"No. OCT is a dye-free scan that shows the structure of the retina in cross-section. Fluorescein angiography shows blood flow and leakage. They are often used together, because each shows something the other cannot.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is fluorescein angiography done on the NHS?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes. NHS hospital eye clinics carry out fluorescein angiography when an ophthalmologist requests it. If you are weighing a second opinion abroad, send your angiograms and reports and our surgeons will review them.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How much does fluorescein angiography cost?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"It is part of the pre-operative scans included in our treatment prices when your retina surgeon requests it. A standalone retinal examination with FFA costs {{\u00a3 price for a standalone retinal examination with FFA}}. Hotel and transfers are extra.\"}}]}<\/script><\/section>\n<!-- FAQ (FAQ accordion) End -->\n\n\n<!-- List (Sources and medical review) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad tight\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><details class=\"sources\" data-reveal><summary class=\"t22\">Sources for the facts on this page<\/summary><ol>\n\t\t<li>American Academy of Ophthalmology, <em>What Is Fluorescein Angiography?<\/em>: procedure steps; dye reaches the eye in about 10\u201315 seconds; typically under 30 minutes; conditions diagnosed (macular oedema, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusion, macular pucker, ocular melanoma); yellow skin within hours and urine up to 24 hours; allergic reactions rare; bring sunglasses and arrange transport. https:\/\/www.aao.org\/eye-health\/treatments\/what-is-fluorescein-angiography<\/li>\n\t\t<li>EyeWiki (AAO), <em>Fluorescein Angiography<\/em>: angiogram phases and timings (choroidal flush 8\u201312 s; retinal circulation 11\u201318 s; peak about 30 s; recirculation 3\u20135 min; end about 10 min); hyper- and hypofluorescence; conditions seen (choroiditis, Stargardt disease, drusen); severe-reaction mortality 1 in 221,781; pregnancy considered a contraindication, no serious events reported. https:\/\/eyewiki.org\/Fluorescein_Angiography<\/li>\n\t\t<li>American Academy of Ophthalmology, <em>Preferred Practice Pattern Summary Benchmarks: Retina\/Vitreous<\/em> (2025 edition as displayed on the page): FFA indications in AMD; not indicated as part of the regular examination of people with diabetes; useful for unexplained vision loss and to show capillary non-perfusion; use in retinal vein occlusion; OCTA has not replaced other angiographic methods in AMD; every angiographic facility should have an emergency care plan. https:\/\/www.aao.org\/summary-benchmark-detail\/retina-summary-benchmarks-2020<\/li>\n\t\t<li>Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, <em>Fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography<\/em> (GHPI0497, reviewed January 2025): no X-rays or radioactivity; tell staff about asthma, allergies (shellfish, iodine), pregnancy, breastfeeding; urine and skin yellow for 1\u20132 days; blood sugar readings may be temporarily higher in diabetes; wait 15 minutes afterwards; results on the day or at next appointment; urgent findings phoned; emergency care for skin blotches or breathing problems. https:\/\/gloshospitals.nhs.uk\/documents\/22640\/Fluorescein_and_indocyanine_green_angiography_GHPI0497_01_25.pdf<\/li>\n\t\t<li>The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, <em>Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA)<\/em> patient information (FFA\/JP\/ST\/DP\/09 2024\/V5): 20\u201330 minute test, about 2 hours in total; avoid a heavy meal; do not drive until pupils return to normal. https:\/\/www.dgft.nhs.uk\/pil\/fundus-fluorescein-angiograph\/<\/li>\n\t\t<li>Kwiterovich KA, Maguire MG, Murphy RP, et al. <em>Frequency of adverse systemic reactions after fluorescein angiography: results of a prospective study.<\/em> Ophthalmology 1991: 2,789 procedures, 2,025 patients; 4.8% adverse reactions (nausea 2.9%, vomiting 1.2%, flushing\/itching\/hives 0.5%, other 0.2%); no severe reactions; repeat reaction 48.6% vs 1.8%. https:\/\/pure.johnshopkins.edu\/en\/publications\/frequency-of-adverse-systemic-reactions-after-fluorescein-angiogr-4\/<\/li>\n\t\t<li>Fayed AE, Fawzi AA. <em>OCTA vs. Dye: The Pros and Cons.<\/em> Review of Ophthalmology, 5 January 2019: what FFA shows that OCTA does not (wide field, low-flow lesions, leakage over time) and the reverse. https:\/\/reviewofophthalmology.com\/article\/octa-vs-dye-the-pros-and-cons<\/li>\n\t\t<li>American Academy of Ophthalmology, <em>What Is Optical Coherence Tomography?<\/em>: OCT uses light waves to take cross-section pictures of the retina. https:\/\/www.aao.org\/eye-health\/treatments\/what-is-optical-coherence-tomography<\/li>\n\t<\/ol><\/details><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- List (Sources and medical review) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Call to Action (Assessment band) Start -->\n<section class=\"cta-band\" id=\"assessment\">\n\t<div class=\"contact-bg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/div>\n\t<div class=\"cta-inner pad container-fluid\"><div class=\"row\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col-12 col-lg-7\"><div class=\"cta-copy\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t64\" data-reveal>Have retinal scans already? Let a surgeon look at them, free<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"t22\" data-reveal>Upload your prescription, OCT scans, angiograms or eye reports. Do\u00e7. Dr. \u00d6zer or Op. Dr. Bayram will tell you what they show and whether a further angiogram or treatment is likely to be needed, with no obligation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"cta-actions\" data-reveal><a class=\"pill pill-white\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/free-consultation\/\"><span class=\"pill-dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"pill-label\">Upload my scans for a free consultation<\/span><\/a><a class=\"pill pill-line\" href=\"https:\/\/wa.me\/4915783739465?text=Hello%20Laser%20Istanbul%20Clinic%2C%20I%20would%20like%20some%20information%20about%20eye%20treatment.%20Sent%20from%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Flaseristanbulclinic.com%2Fen%2F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"pill-dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"pill-label\">WhatsApp: +49 157 8373 9465<\/span><\/a><a class=\"pill pill-line\" href=\"tel:+905416390785\"><span class=\"pill-dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"pill-label\">Call: +90 541 639 07 85<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-12 col-lg-5\"><div class=\"proof-card\" data-reveal>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"proof-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"t48\">3 eye surgeons<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"t22\">Your case is reviewed by a named surgeon, not a salesperson. Reply within <span class=\"ph\">{{response time}}<\/span>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"avatars\" aria-label=\"Our surgeons\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/prof-dr-ahmet-satici-ophthalmologist-istanbul-150x150.webp\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sat\u0131c\u0131\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/prof-dr-ahmet-satici-ophthalmologist-istanbul-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/prof-dr-ahmet-satici-ophthalmologist-istanbul-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/prof-dr-ahmet-satici-ophthalmologist-istanbul-768x768.webp 768w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/prof-dr-ahmet-satici-ophthalmologist-istanbul.webp 806w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><span class=\"tip\">Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sat\u0131c\u0131<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/doc-dr-muhammet-derda-ozer-cornea-specialist-istanbul-150x150.webp\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Do\u00e7. Dr. Muhammet Derda \u00d6zer\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><span class=\"tip\">Do\u00e7. Dr. Muhammet Derda \u00d6zer<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op-dr-aysan-bayram-eye-surgeon-istanbul-150x150.webp\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Op. Dr. Aysan Bayram\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op-dr-aysan-bayram-eye-surgeon-istanbul-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op-dr-aysan-bayram-eye-surgeon-istanbul-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op-dr-aysan-bayram-eye-surgeon-istanbul-768x768.webp 768w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op-dr-aysan-bayram-eye-surgeon-istanbul.webp 806w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><span class=\"tip\">Op. Dr. Aysan Bayram<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<!-- Call to Action (Assessment band) End -->\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"parent":1760,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1878","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1878","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1878"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1878\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3023,"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1878\/revisions\/3023"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1760"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1878"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}