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Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Quantitative Fundus Autofluorescence for the Evaluation of Retinal Diseases
Published on: March 11, 2016
[The adverse reactions and treatment of fundus fluorescein angiography]
Guiying Mai1, Hong Yan, Mei Li
1Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China.
Purpose:
To investigate the safety of fluorescein angiography and to evaluate the examination.
Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed 8 344 patients who underwent fluorescein angiography in our hospital in the past four years. The rate of adverse events was calculated and the emergency management for severe cases was discussed.
Results:
There were 693 cases (8.3%) of adverse events occurring in the patients. Many of them were mild or moderate ones, which were 664 cases in number and were 7.87% in rate. The other 29 cases (0.35%) were severe ones. No special treatment was needed for the mild or moderate adverse events, the symptoms can be relaxed by deep breathing or having a rest for a moment. The symptoms of the severe adverse events can be relieved through anti-hypersuscepibility treatments and no sequelae left. No case of death occurred.
Conclusion:
The adverse events could occur in fluorescein angiography examination. It suggests that we should pay attention to it and be aware of the system conditions of the patients. It is also important for us to grasp the indications and contraindications and to prepare for the emergent events. In summary, fluorescein angiography is generally a safe method for the examination of fundus disease.
Insights
Fluorescein angiography (FA) is generally safe for examining fundus diseases, with most adverse events being mild. Severe reactions are rare and treatable, with no deaths reported in this study.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Imaging
Context:
- Fluorescein angiography (FA) is a key diagnostic tool for various fundus diseases.
- Assessing the safety profile of FA is crucial for clinical practice.
Purpose:
- To investigate the safety of fluorescein angiography.
- To evaluate the examination's adverse event rate and management protocols.
Summary:
- A retrospective analysis of 8,344 patients undergoing FA revealed an 8.3% adverse event rate.
- Mild to moderate events (7.87%) required minimal intervention, while severe events (0.35%) were successfully managed with treatment, and no deaths occurred.
Impact:
- This study confirms fluorescein angiography's general safety for fundus examination.
- Highlights the importance of patient assessment, understanding indications/contraindications, and preparedness for emergent events.
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