It is a diagnostic procedure which records, through photographs a detailed view of the blood vessels at the back of your eye. This will assist the doctors in both diagnosing and deciding on the best treatment for your condition. The fluorescein is a fluorescent dye, which when administered through the cannula (a small tube), it circulates through the blood stream to the vessels at the back of your eye. Several photographs are taken to outline any abnormalities that may be present, as the dye passes through the vessels.
Your admission and photography session takes approximately 40 minutes. Once completed you will be given a drink before you are discharged.
The procedure is carried out on the Medical Retina Unit, located in Area 5 on the main corridor at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
A nurse will ask several questions with regards to your health and medications, blood pressure and if needed, your blood sugar reading. If you are currently taking warfarin, the nurse will also require your yellow INR book so please ensure you bring this on the day.
It is important to inform the nurse of any allergies you may have or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Drops will be instilled (put) into one or both eyes to dilate the pupil/s to enable the photographs to be taken. It takes approximately 20-30 minutes for the drops to take effect. As these drops will make your vision blurred for 6-8 hours it is not advisable to drive yourself to your appointment, as you will not be able to drive until the dilating drops have worn off.
A nurse will insert a cannula (small tube) into a suitable vein in the back of your hand or arm to enable the nurse to administer the fluorescein dye at the appropriate time. This cannula will remain in place until after the procedure and will be removed prior to discharge.
Once your pupils are dilated you will sit in front of a retinal camera and the photographs will be taken as the dye is given.
The photography session takes approximately 10 minutes. Once this has been completed you will be asked to remain in the department until you are discharged.
The images will be sent to your consultant who will review the results. If you do not already have an appointment, an appointment will be sent out in the post to attend either the Medical Retina Unit or Pink Reception Eye Clinic.
Most patients feel no ill effects following the procedure with the exception of blurred vison and occasionally a dazzled sensation from the camera flash. The dye will also give your skin a slight yellow tinge. You may also notice your urine will be a bright colour. This is normal and will resolve after 24 hours.
Occasionally the dye may leak out of your vein into the surrounding tissue causing pain, the nurses are trained to care for you in the event of this occurring, and if required seek medical help.
A small number of patients feel nauseous when the dye is injected. This usually passes very quickly; it is rare for patients to vomit.
Rarely patients can develop an allergic reaction to the drug, it can be a mild, moderate or severe reaction. If you do experience side effects the nurses are trained to care for you until you are well.
Itching of the skin or a rash may occur but again this is rare.
Some patients have noted a numbness of the tongue and lips that passes, if this does occur please inform a nurse.
Rarely patients develop a severe reaction called anaphylaxis; this can cause the tongue and face to swell and breathing difficulties. If this does happen the nurses on the unit will give you the required care.
• On the day of your procedure please take all medications as you normally would. You can also eat and drink as normal
• Please bring a list of your current medication
• If you take warfarin please bring your yellow INR book
• Your eyes will be dilated therefore you will be unable to drive home
• You will be given the opportunity to ask questions on the day of the procedure
• Please bring any heart or chest inhalers you are prescribed
• Please bring with you any glasses that you wear
• If you are a contact lens wearer it may be advisable to not wear them to your appointment
• If you are unable to attend the appointment please contact the unit, so the appointment can be offered to another patient
