A fluorescein angiogram may be ordered by your doctor to assess the blood vessels in the retina. You will have your pupils dilated with drops for this procedure. The dilation will blur your near vision and make your eyes light sensitive for several hours. Bring your sunglasses to your appointment to reduce the light sensitivity you may experience afterwards.

The fluorescein angiogram consists of the following:

• One or both pupils will be dilated.
• The photographer will position your head in front of a microscope (like the one your doctor usually examines your eye with).
• You will be asked to focus your eyes on a visual target.
• You will receive a small injection of fluorescein dye into a vein in your arm or hand.
• photographs will be taken of your eye over a period of 10 minutes.

In some cases, your doctor may want to see you after the photographs are taken. You will then be asked to wait until you are called into your doctor's office. Alternatively, your doctor may choose to telephone you about the results.

Please allow about 90 minutes for this visit to the eye clinic. If you must cancel this appointment, please call your doctor's office or 415.833.2020 to reschedule.