Question

Application of FFA in Ophthalmology.

Hint:

FFA is indispensable in retinal diagnostics, helping in early detection, accurate diagnosis, and effective monitoring of treatment progress.

Answer 1

Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA) is widely used in ophthalmology to diagnose and manage a variety of retinal and choroidal diseases. It provides valuable insights into the vascular health of the retina and choroid.

Step 1: Diagnostic Applications of FFA:
1. Diabetic Retinopathy: FFA is used to assess the presence of diabetic macular edema, retinal ischemia, and neovascularization. It helps in determining the need for laser treatment or anti-VEGF therapy.
2. Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD): FFA helps detect the presence of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in AMD patients, guiding the management of the disease.
3. Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO): FFA identifies areas of retinal ischemia and macular edema caused by RVO, and helps in evaluating the prognosis and need for treatment.

Step 2: Therapeutic Applications of FFA:
1. Guiding Laser Treatment: In conditions like diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion, FFA is used to identify areas requiring laser photocoagulation to prevent further damage.
2. Assessment of Anti-VEGF Treatment: FFA can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) therapy in conditions like wet AMD and diabetic macular edema by observing changes in retinal leakage and neovascularization.
3. Monitoring of Choroidal Neovascularization: FFA is used to monitor the growth and response of choroidal neovascular membranes during treatment, particularly in AMD.

Step 3: Other Applications of FFA:
1. Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP): FFA is employed to assess retinal vascular development in premature infants and to identify the need for laser treatment.
2. Uveitis: FFA is useful for evaluating the extent of inflammation and vascular leakage in uveitis, aiding in the diagnosis of posterior uveitis or panuveitis.