Treatment Overview
Fluorescein Angiography (FA) is a diagnostic imaging technique used to assess retinal and choroidal blood vessels in patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). By injecting a fluorescent dye (fluorescein) into the bloodstream and capturing sequential retinal images, ophthalmologists can detect abnormal blood vessels, leakage, and neovascularization. FA provides essential information for early diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring progression of wet AMD.
In Korea, fluorescein angiography is performed with advanced imaging systems and AI-assisted analysis:
- High-resolution fundus cameras for sequential retinal imaging
- Digital angiography software for precise mapping of leakage and CNV
- AI-assisted analysis to detect subtle microvascular changes and early neovascularization
- Combination with OCT and OCT-A for comprehensive retinal assessment
- Minimally invasive, outpatient procedure with rapid image acquisition
- Integration with treatment planning, including anti-VEGF or laser therapy
Fluorescein angiography remains a gold standard for confirming wet AMD and guiding therapy.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Detect abnormal retinal and choroidal blood vessels
- Identify leakage, neovascularization, and CNV in wet AMD
- Guide treatment decisions such as anti-VEGF injections or laser therapy
- Monitor AMD progression and response to therapy
- Complement OCT and OCT-A imaging for comprehensive retinal assessment
Benefits
- Provides detailed vascular mapping not visible on standard imaging
- Early detection of CNV allows timely intervention
- AI-assisted analysis improves diagnostic accuracy
- Supports personalized treatment planning for wet AMD
- Minimally invasive, quick outpatient procedure
- Can be repeated safely for ongoing monitoring
Ideal Candidates
Fluorescein Angiography for AMD Diagnosis in Korea is ideal for:
- Patients with suspected wet AMD or CNV
- Individuals with visual distortion, central vision loss, or metamorphopsia
- Patients undergoing anti-VEGF therapy to evaluate treatment response
- High-risk patients with drusen or pigmentary changes needing detailed vascular assessment
- Those requiring precise retinal vascular mapping for laser or surgical planning
Possible Risks & Complications
Minor / Transient Issues
- Temporary yellowing of skin or urine due to fluorescein dye
- Nausea or mild vomiting during or after injection
- Mild discomfort or irritation at injection site
- Temporary blurred vision
Rare / Serious Risks
- Allergic reactions to fluorescein dye (rash, itching, or breathing difficulty)
- Severe anaphylaxis (extremely rare)
- Rare injection-site complications such as hematoma or phlebitis
How Korean Clinics Minimize Risks
- Pre-screening for dye allergies or medical conditions
- Use of low-risk intravenous injection techniques
- Monitoring vital signs during and after the procedure
- Emergency equipment and trained staff on hand
- AI-assisted image analysis reduces need for repeated dye injections
Related Diagnostic & Treatment Techniques
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – Assess retinal thickness and fluid
- OCT-Angiography (OCT-A) – Non-invasive evaluation of microvascular networks
- Fundus Photography – Baseline retinal documentation
- Indocyanine Green Angiography (ICG) – For deeper choroidal assessment
- Anti-VEGF Therapy – Guided by FA findings
- Laser Therapy – Planning based on leakage maps
- AI-assisted vascular mapping – Detect subtle CNV progression
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Pre-Imaging Assessment
- Comprehensive eye exam including visual acuity and intraocular pressure
- Screening for dye allergies and systemic conditions
- Explanation of the procedure and potential side effects
Step 2 – Fluorescein Angiography Procedure
- Intravenous injection of fluorescein dye
- Sequential retinal imaging using high-resolution fundus camera
- Optional pupil dilation for enhanced visualization
- Digital capture and AI-assisted analysis of leakage, CNV, and vascular patterns
Step 3 – Post-Imaging Follow-Up
- Immediate review of images by ophthalmologist or retina specialist
- Integration with OCT/OCT-A for comprehensive retinal evaluation
- Personalized treatment planning (anti-VEGF, laser, or monitoring)
- Scheduled follow-up imaging for ongoing disease assessment
Duration: 20–45 minutes
Setting: Outpatient ophthalmology clinic with advanced imaging equipment
Recovery & After-Care
After-Care Guidelines
- Temporary yellowing of skin or urine is normal and resolves in 24 hours
- Avoid driving if vision is blurred after pupil dilation
- Report any allergic reactions, severe rash, or difficulty breathing immediately
- Resume normal activities after the procedure
Recovery Timeline
- Immediate: Sequential imaging completed with no long-term effects
- 24 Hours: Fluorescein dye completely cleared from the body
- Ongoing: Retinal monitoring scheduled based on disease status
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Detailed mapping of retinal and choroidal vasculature
- Detection of leakage, CNV, and neovascular activity
- Early identification of wet AMD progression
- Accurate guidance for anti-VEGF injections or laser therapy
- Enhanced monitoring for long-term retinal health
Longevity
- Imaging results are permanent in digital records for comparison over time
- Can be repeated safely as needed for ongoing AMD monitoring
- Supports longitudinal assessment of disease progression and treatment efficacy
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Highly experienced retina specialists and ophthalmologists
- Advanced fundus cameras and digital angiography systems
- AI-assisted interpretation for subtle vascular changes
- Integrated care pathways for AMD diagnosis and treatment
- English-friendly clinics with structured follow-up programs
- Safe outpatient procedure with emergency support on-site
Unique Korean Innovations
- AI-guided vascular leakage detection
- Digital dashboards for longitudinal comparison of FA images
- Integration with OCT and OCT-A for comprehensive analysis
- Personalized monitoring intervals based on retinal risk profile
- Non-invasive combination imaging protocols to reduce dye exposure
Cost Range (Indicative Estimate)
| Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Fluorescein Angiography Session | ₩200,000 – ₩450,000 | ~$150 – $345 | Dye injection + fundus imaging + AI analysis |
| Comprehensive AMD Vascular Assessment | ₩400,000 – ₩800,000 | ~$305 – $615 | FA + OCT + OCT-A + consultation |
| Follow-Up Monitoring Package | ₩300,000 – ₩700,000 | ~$230 – $540 | Repeat FA + imaging + specialist review |
Popular Clinics in Korea
- Kim’s Eye Hospital Retina Center (Seoul)
- Gangnam Severance Hospital Retina Clinic
- Seoul National University Hospital Ophthalmology Center
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Gangnam)
- BGN Eye Clinic (Seoul & Busan)
- NUNE Eye Hospital (Daegu)
- Glory Seoul Eye Clinic
- Dream Eye Center (Seoul)
