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Foveal vision function before and after fluorescein angiography
N Friedman1, G Haegerstrom-Portnoy, O Paul
1Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute, San Francisco, CA 94115.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Fluorescein angiography (FA) did not impact foveal vision function in patients, even with sensitive testing. This study found no measurable vision changes after FA, despite concerns from animal research.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Imaging
- Vision Science
Background:
- Fluorescein angiography (FA) is a standard ophthalmologic procedure.
- Patient-reported vision changes post-FA are typically minimal.
- Recent animal studies suggest fluorescein may be cytotoxic in light, potentially causing retinal damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential changes in foveal vision function following fluorescein angiography.
- To assess the impact of FA on sensitive visual pathways.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive battery of vision tests was administered to 10 patients before and 48 hours after FA.
- Tests included visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, color vision, and two-color increment thresholds.
- These tests were designed to isolate individual cone pathways.
Main Results:
- While some patients exhibited abnormalities on non-standardized tests, no significant changes in central vision function were detected 48 hours post-FA.
- Sensitive vision tests revealed no measurable effect on foveal vision.
Conclusions:
- Fluorescein angiography does not appear to have a measurable negative impact on foveal vision function.
- Even in eyes with existing disease, FA is safe for central vision function based on sensitive testing.