Indocyanine Green Angiography (ICG) is a cutting-edge imaging technique that reveals hidden blood vessel details in the eye, crucial for diagnosing diseases like wet AMD and choroidal tumors. Find a top ophthalmologist near you to learn more about this essential test.
Indocyanine green angiography (ICG angiography) is a specialized imaging test that helps eye doctors visualize blood vessels deep in the back of the eye. This test reveals hidden vascular issues that other methods may miss, providing essential information for diagnosing and managing serious eye conditions.
ICG angiography uses a safe green dye injected into the bloodstream and infrared imaging technology to capture detailed pictures of the eye’s deeper blood vessels beneath the retina.
Indocyanine green is a green-colored dye that fluoresces when exposed to infrared light. After injection, it travels through the bloodstream to highlight blood vessels in the eye.
Specialized cameras with infrared filters capture high-quality images of choroidal blood vessels. Infrared light can penetrate deeper layers of the eye than visible light, making hidden vessels visible.
The retina processes visual information, while the choroid beneath it nourishes the eye with tiny blood vessels. ICG angiography images vessels in both layers.
First developed in the 1970s, ICG angiography technology has continuously improved, now providing more accurate, safer, and faster imaging for eye disease diagnosis and monitoring.
This test helps diagnose and manage various eye diseases by revealing detailed blood vessel information that guides precise treatment planning.
ICG angiography detects abnormal new vessels beneath the retina in wet AMD, showing their size and shape to guide treatments like anti-VEGF injections or laser therapy.
It identifies fluid leakage sites beneath the retina, helping differentiate CSCR from other macular diseases for appropriate treatment planning.
The test evaluates blood supply and growth patterns of choroidal nevi, melanoma, and other tumors, assisting in monitoring and treatment decisions.
ICG angiography reveals inflammation in deeper eye vessels, aiding diagnosis of diseases like Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome and sympathetic ophthalmia.
By detailing blood flow and vessel structure, it assists doctors in selecting effective therapies and tracking how well treatments are working.
Proper preparation ensures the test is safe and comfortable. Follow guidance from your eye care team carefully.
You may be asked to avoid solid foods for 2–4 hours before the test to reduce nausea risk. Drinking water is usually encouraged to keep you hydrated.
Most medications can be taken as usual unless your doctor advises otherwise. Bring a list of all your medicines to check for any interactions.
Inform your medical team about allergies, especially to iodine or seafood, and any kidney, liver, or thyroid conditions that could affect dye processing.
Your pupils will be dilated, potentially causing blurry vision for several hours. Arrange for someone to drive you to and from the appointment.
The procedure is typically quick, painless, and performed in a specialized imaging room.
Dilating eye drops widen your pupils to allow clear imaging. Your vision will be blurry and sensitive to light for several hours afterward.
A small needle is placed in a vein to inject the dye. You may feel a brief warm sensation, metallic taste, or mild nausea during dye circulation.
You will sit comfortably with your head stabilized while a camera takes rapid images as the dye moves through eye vessels. You will need to focus on a small light during imaging.
Medical staff monitor you for any reactions and are prepared to manage rare allergic responses. The procedure usually takes 30-45 minutes.
ICG angiography provides significant diagnostic advantages while carrying minimal risks for most patients.
This test reveals abnormalities in deep eye vessels invisible to other methods, enabling earlier and more precise diagnosis and treatment planning.
ICG has been safely used for decades, is cleared from the body within 24-48 hours, and infrared imaging does not harm eye tissues.
If you're experiencing vision issues or have been advised to undergo ICG angiography, contact a top optometrist or ophthalmologist listed with Specialty Vision. They can provide the necessary care and insight to help protect your vision health.
Follow simple steps to ensure comfort and proper healing after your test.
Blurry vision and light sensitivity from dilation usually last 4–8 hours. Avoid driving or activities needing sharp vision until fully clear.
Keep the needle site clean and dry. Minor bruising or tenderness may occur but typically resolves in a few days.
Drink plenty of fluids to help clear the dye. Resume normal diet unless nausea persists.
Your eye doctor will review images and explain findings during your follow-up. Ask any questions to understand your condition and care plan.
ICG angiography is a valuable diagnostic tool that helps detect serious eye conditions early, guide treatment, and monitor progress, supporting the preservation of your vision for the future.
If you're experiencing vision issues or have been advised to undergo ICG angiography, contact a top optometrist or ophthalmologist listed with Specialty Vision. They can provide the necessary care and insight to help protect your vision health.
Indocyanine Green Angiography reveals hidden blood vessels in the eye to diagnose conditions like wet AMD. Find a top specialist today!
