Indocyanine green angiography 25/03/2013

This kind of angiography uses a specific colorant (indocyanine) to detect leaks or injuries in the blood vessels that nourish the retina. The colouring effect of indocyanine green is activated by invisible infrared rays. Sophisticated cameras are therefore required that can detect these light rays.

Angiography is used to study the deep vessels of the choroidal layer. It is necessary to use it in treating age-related macular degeneration, where indocyanine can distinguish the deep vessels of the choroids, especially those that are hidden or blocked with blood. It is particularly useful in detecting variants of exudative AMD such as polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. This can have decisive therapeutic consequences.

It can also identify neovessels that supply the neovascular membranes and therefore, on some occasions, enable direct treatment via photocoagulation, avoiding or reducing the use of intravitreal injections.

The method of application is the same as in normal angiography: patients are injected with indocyanine, which is carried by the bloodstream and photographs are taken with a special camera.