Ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (OHS) is an eye problem that can develop from a lung infection called histoplasmosis. Learn what causes OHS and how to treat it.
Presumed Ocular Histoplasmosis Syndrome
Image by Wickedthought
What Is
Presumed Ocular Histoplasmosis Syndrome
Image by Wickedthought
Presumed Ocular Histoplasmosis Syndrome
Retinal photograph of ocular histoplasmosis
Image by Wickedthought
What Is OHS?
Ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (OHS) is an eye condition that can develop in people who have a lung infection called histoplasmosis. If you have histoplasmosis, the infection can move from the lungs into the eyes, leading to vision loss.
Many people who have histoplasmosis don’t know it. If you’ve lived in places where histoplasmosis is common, like near the Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys, talk to your eye doctor about getting checked for OHS.
Source: National Eye Institute (NEI)
Additional Materials (1)
Dr. Isernhagen -- "Ocular Histoplasmosis"
Video by RetinaAssociatesOfKY/YouTube
3:12
Dr. Isernhagen -- "Ocular Histoplasmosis"
RetinaAssociatesOfKY/YouTube
About Histoplasmosis
Histoplasma
Image by CDC
Histoplasma
Medical illustration of <em>Histoplasma</em>.
Image by CDC
About Histoplasmosis
Histoplasmosis is an infection caused by the fungus Histoplasma. The fungus lives in the environment, particularly in soil that contains large amounts of bird or bat droppings. In the United States, Histoplasma mainly lives in soil in the central and eastern states, especially areas around the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys. The fungus also lives in parts of Central and South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
People can get histoplasmosis after breathing in the microscopic fungal spores from the air, often after participating in activities that disturb the soil. Although most people who breathe in the spores don’t get sick, those who do may have a fever, cough, and fatigue. Many people who get sick will get better on their own without medication. In some people, such as those who have weakened immune systems, the infection can become severe, especially if it spreads from the lungs to other organs.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Additional Materials (1)
Histoplasma capsulatum Infection
Video by Biology Professor/YouTube
4:41
Histoplasma capsulatum Infection
Biology Professor/YouTube
Causes
Histoplasmosis
Image by CDC/ Dr. Libero Ajello
Histoplasmosis
This photomicrograph reveals some of the ultrastructural morphology exhibited by a Jamaican isolate, of the fungal organism, Histoplasma capsulatum in its mycelial form, and highlights these two tuberculated macroconidia. See PHIL 4022, for another view of these macroconidia, under a lower magnification. H. capsulatum is a dimorphic fungus, meaning that it produces two types of morphologic forms, depending upon the temperature. It takes a mycelial form when grown at a lower temperature of 25°C, producing these macroconidia, and assumes a yeast form when grown at 35°C, on enriched media.
Image by CDC/ Dr. Libero Ajello
What Causes OHS?
Histoplasmosis — the lung infection that causes OHS — happens when people breathe in spores from a fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum. This fungus is often found in soil that has bird or bat droppings (poop) in it. Spores from the fungus can go into the air when someone moves the soil around, like while sweeping a chicken coop or plowing a field.
Experts think that people get OHS when spores spread from the lungs to the eye, and can lead to scars in the back of the eye. These scars are usually harmless, but sometimes they cause abnormal blood vessels to grow in the eye and lead to vision loss.
Source: National Eye Institute (NEI)
Risk Factors
Risk
Image by Wokandapix/Pixabay
Risk
Image by Wokandapix/Pixabay
Am I at Risk for OHS?
Anyone can get histoplasmosis — and OHS — if they’ve been to an area where histoplasma fungus lives. Histoplasma is particularly common in central and eastern parts of the United States, like near the Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys. In fact, many people who live in these areas have histoplasmosis and don’t know it.
Certain groups are at higher risk of having histoplasmosis turn into OHS, including:
People with weakened immune systems — for example, people with HIV/AIDS or people taking certain medicines
Babies
Adults age 55 and older
OHS isn’t contagious — if you have OHS, you can’t spread it to others.
Source: National Eye Institute (NEI)
Symptoms
Warning Sign - Blind Spot
Image by Fry1989 eh?/Wikimedia
Warning Sign - Blind Spot
Warning road sign for an accident black spot.
Image by Fry1989 eh?/Wikimedia
What Are the Symptoms of OHS?
OHS usually doesn’t cause any symptoms in the early stages. But over time, you may notice:
Straight lines looking crooked or wavy
Blind spots in your vision
Source: National Eye Institute (NEI)
Diagnosis
Viewing the Retina and Optic Nerve
Image by National Eye Institute
Viewing the Retina and Optic Nerve
A direct ophthalmoscope allows the eye care professional to examine the retina and optic nerve.
Image by National Eye Institute
How Will My Eye Doctor Check for OHS?
To find out if you have OHS, eye doctors will start by looking for 2 things:
Scars in the back of the eye
Swelling in the retina (light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of the eye)
If the doctor sees signs of OHS, they’ll do a dilated eye exam to confirm that you have OHS.
If they find fluid, blood, or abnormal blood vessels during the dilated eye exam, your eye doctor may also do a test called fluorescein angiography. This test lets the doctor see pictures of the blood vessels in your retina.
Source: National Eye Institute (NEI)
Dilated Eye Exam
Dilated Eye Exam
Also called: Comprehensive Dilated Eye Exam, Dilated Fundus Exam
A dilated eye exam is the best thing you can do for your eye health. It’s the only way to check for eye diseases early on, when they’re easier to treat — and before they cause vision loss. Learn what happens during and after a dilated eye exam and how often you need one.
Dilated Eye Exam
Also called: Comprehensive Dilated Eye Exam, Dilated Fundus Exam
A dilated eye exam is the best thing you can do for your eye health. It’s the only way to check for eye diseases early on, when they’re easier to treat — and before they cause vision loss. Learn what happens during and after a dilated eye exam and how often you need one.
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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
health.
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0.125
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Your result is Normal vision.
US: 20/25 to 20/12 (Metric: 6/7.5 to 6/4)
Visual acuity is expressed as a decimal or a fraction. 1 = US 20/20 or metric 6/6 is considered optimal vision.
The top number refers to the distance you stand from the chart. This is often 20 feet (6 meters).
The bottom number indicates the distance at which a person with normal eyesight could read the same line you correctly read.
Related conditions
{"label":"Visual field reference range","scale":"lin","step":0.25,"hideunits":true,"items":[{"flag":"normal","label":{"short":"Normal","long":"Normal","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":0,"max":1},"text":"The peripheral vision is normal.","conditions":[]},{"flag":"abnormal","label":{"short":"Abnormal","long":"Abnormal","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":1,"max":2},"text":"Abnormal results may be due to diseases or central nervous system (CNS) disorders, such as tumors that damage or press on (compress) the parts of the brain that deal with vision.","conditions":["Diabetes","Glaucoma","High blood pressure","Macular degeneration","Multiple sclerosis","Optic glioma","Overactive thyroid","Pituitary gland disorders","Retinal detachment","Stroke","Temporal arteritis"]}],"value":0.5,"disclaimer":"Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are \"within normal limits.\""}[{"normal":0},{"abnormal":0}]
Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
health.
Your result is Normal.
The peripheral vision is normal.
Related conditions
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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
health.
Your result is Normal.
A normal result indicates normal movement of the eyes in all directions.
Related conditions
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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
health.
Your result is Normal.
A normal result means the status of your optic nerve and retina is in good shape.
Related conditions
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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
health.
Your result is Pass.
A pass or normal result means that the pupils dilate (get larger) when room light is dimmed; the pupils are round and equal in size, in both bright and dim light; and the pupils quickly and symmetrically constrict to a bright light directed into either of the eyes and when the bright light swings between the two eyes.
Related conditions
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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
health.
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21
Your result is Normal.
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Related conditions
A dilated eye exam is the best thing you can do for your eye health! It’s the only way to check for eye diseases early on, when they’re easier to treat — and before they cause vision loss.
The exam is simple and painless. Your eye doctor will check for vision problems that make it hard to see clearly, like being nearsighted or farsighted. Then your doctor will give you some eye drops to dilate (widen) your pupil and check for eye diseases.
Since many eye diseases have no symptoms or warning signs, you could have a problem and not know it. Even if you think your eyes are healthy, getting a dilated eye exam is the only way to know for sure.
How often you need a dilated eye exam depends on your risk for eye disease. Talk to your doctor about what’s right for you.
Get a dilated eye exam every 1 to 2 years if you:
Are over age 60
Are African American and over age 40
Have a family history of glaucoma
If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, ask your doctor how often you need an exam. Most people with diabetes or high blood pressure need to get a dilated eye exam at least once a year.
The exam includes:
A visual acuity test to check how clearly you see. Your doctor will ask you to read letters that are up close and far away.
A visual field test to check your peripheral (side) vision. Your doctor will test how well you can see objects off to the sides of your vision without moving your eyes.
An eye muscle function test to check for problems with the muscles around your eyeballs. Your doctor will move an object around and ask you to follow it with your eyes.
A pupil response test to check how light enters your eyes. Your doctor will shine a small flashlight into your eyes and check how your pupils react to the light.
A tonometry test to measure the pressure in your eyes. Your doctor will use a machine to blow a quick puff of air onto your eye, or gently touch your eye with a special tool. Don’t worry — it doesn’t hurt!
Dilation to check for problems with the inner parts of your eye. Your doctor will give you some eye drops to dilate (widen) your pupil. This helps the doctor see inside your eye.
Depending on your needs, your doctor may include other tests too. Ask your doctor if you have questions.
Dilating your pupil lets more light into your eye — just like opening a door lets light into a dark room. Dilation helps your eye doctor check for many common eye problems, including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
For a few hours after a dilated eye exam, your vision may be blurry and you may be sensitive to light. Ask a friend or family member to drive you home from your appointment.
If your eye doctor finds refractive errors in your vision, you may get a prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses to help you see more clearly.
Bring your sunglasses!
Your eyes may be sensitive to light for a few hours after your exam. Sunglasses can help, so bring them if you have them! Your eye doctor may also have disposable sunglasses they can give you.
If your eye doctor finds signs of an eye disease, you can talk about treatment options and decide what’s right for you. Learn more about these common eye diseases:
Diabetic eye disease
Age-related macular degeneration
Cataract
Glaucoma
If you’re seeing clearly and there are no signs of eye disease, you’re all set until your next exam. Make an appointment for your next dilated eye exam before you leave the office — that way, you won’t forget!
Additional Materials (50)
Comprehensive Dilated Eye Exam
Video by National Eye Institute, NIH/YouTube
Animation: Detecting age-related macular degeneration through a dilated eye exam.
Video by National Eye Institute, NIH/YouTube
Animation: Detecting diabetic retinopathy through a dilated eye exam
Video by National Eye Institute, NIH/YouTube
What are dilating eye drops?
Video by EyeSmart — American Academy of Ophthalmology/YouTube
Dilated fundus examination
Diagram of the Eye Before and After Dilated Eye Exam
Image by National Eye Institute (NEI), National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Pupillary response
Pupillary response : Animation that illustrates the pupillary light reflex. When the light is turned on, the pupil reacts by constricting.
Image by Greyson Orlando
Right Eyeball
3D visualization based on scanned human data of the right eyeball.
Image by TheVisualMD
Tangier disease
Diffuse hazy opacity of the right cornea in the patient with Tangier disease
Image by National Eye Institute
Pupil
The pupil is the central transparent area (showing as black). The grey/blue area surrounding it is the iris. The white outer area is the sclera, the central transparent part of which is the cornea.
Image by ROTFLOLEB
Mydriasis
Mydriasis, pupillary response
Image by OpenStax College
Intraocular lens
Cataract surgery performed, IOL inserted. Note incision right of dilated pupil.
Image by Janke
Drawing of a woman having her eyes examined by a doctor using a machine
See your eye doctor for a dilated eye exam every year. Early treatment of eye problems can help save your sight.
Image by NIDDK Image Library
Two-sided Adie's pupils of unknown etiology identified by an ophthalmologist
Two-sided Adie's pupils of unknown etiology identified by an ophthalmologist
Image by Casper
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
The patient was a four-year-old female who was first seen three months before with a two day history of swelling of the upper lid of the left eye and lower lid of the right eye. This was apparently due to some skin eruption. The patient was also thought to have congenital glaucoma and the sclerae were noted to be blue. The corneas also protruded anteriorly and it was thought the patient might possibly have keratoconus. The patient was thought to have the syndrome of blue sclerotics with a high myopic astigmatism. Incidentally, the parents were first cousins. Generally, the patient had a brachycephaly, there was no nystagmus and the heart was normal. The patient was thought to possibly have osteogenesis imperfecta. She was also thought to have the typical physique of Marfan's, but the lenses were not dislocated. She had blue sclerae ([1], [2]) and keratoconus and she was -6.00 to -8.00 diopters myopic. It appeared that the patient had type VI Ehler's Danlos syndrome on the basis of the blue sclera, high myopia and keratoconus.
Image by National Eye Institute
Sensitive content
This media may include sensitive content
Slit Lamp Exam
Maj. Ivy Madson, 99th Air Base Squadron optometry flight commander, uses a Slit Lamp to examine the interior of the eye during an exam for Airman 1st Class Hunter, 18th Reconnaissance Squadron Airman, Jan. 13, 2015, at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada. The Creech Medical Aid Station now offers optometry services to all personnel assigned to Creech AFB Tuesdays from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Last names have been withheld for security purposes). (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Adawn Kelsey/Released)
Image by U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Adawn Kelsey/Released
Mydriasis
Mydriasis, pupillary response. Dilated pupils after an optometrist appointment.
Image by Nutschig at en.wikipedia
Drawing of an eye with a dilated pupil
None
Image by NIDDK Image Library
Child's Eye Exam
Lenses placed in a trial frame help determine eyeglass prescription.
Image by National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Sensitive content
This media may include sensitive content
Eye exam
Capt. Luanne Danes uses a light to check the anterior segment of Master Sgt. Timothy Vanderhoff's eye during his visit to the Optometry Clinic Nov. 19, 2009, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Captain Danes is looking for healthy structure of the eye and ensuring no corneal disease is present. Captain Danes, officer in charge of Optometry, is assigned to the 354th Medical Operation Squadron. Sergeant Vanderhoff, crew chief, is assigned to the 168th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christopher Boitz)
Image by U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christopher Boitz
Eye exam
U.S. Navy Lt. Patricia Salazar examines a patient's eyes at a Continuing Promise medical clinic set up by staff assigned to the hospital ship USNS Comfort in Paita, Peru
Image by Petty Officer 1st Class Brian A. Goyak, U.S. Navy
Dilated fundus examination - Before
The same eye as File:Result of Dilated fundus examination.JPG, but before examination
Image by Nicko va
Pupil
Dilated and Undilated Pupil - Portions of the retina that can be seen through an undilated versus a dilated pupil.
Image by National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Dilated fundus examination - After
Result of Dilated fundus examination
Image by Nicko va
Dilated fundus examination
This is my dilated pupil, an hour or two after getting drops put in them so the optometrist could examine my retinas. Pupil dilated using the anticholinergic drug tropicamide.
Image by grendel|khan and Lady Byron
Sensitive content
This media may include sensitive content
Baby Eye Exam
Maj. Renee Vincent shows Taylor, 1, an ophthalmoscope during an exam. The 341st Medical Group has a total of 21 technicians and 24 nurses serving approximately 10,000 beneficiaries at Malmstrom. Major Vincent is the 341st Missile Wing’s pediatric advisor, commander of the 341st Medical Operations Squadron’s Maternal Child Flight, and a certified pediatric nurse practitioner for the 341st MDG. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Marcus McDonald)
Image by U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Marcus McDonald
Optical Coherence Tomography
A detailed cross-sectional image of the back of the eye is obtained using an optical coherence tomography (OCT).
Image by National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Iris (anatomy)
Image by Shanon
Fundus Photography
An eye care professional takes fundus autofluorescence photographs to study the retina.
Image by National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Drawing of an eye with a dilated pupil
Dilated eye
Image by NIDDK Image Library
An undilated pupil and dilated pupil
Dilating your pupil lets more light into your eye — just like opening a door lets light into a dark room. Dilation helps your eye doctor check for many common eye problems, including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Image by National Eye Institute (NEI)
Get a dilated eye exam
A dilated eye exam is the best thing you can do for your eye health. It’s the only way to check for eye diseases early on, when they’re easier to treat — and before they cause vision loss.
Image by National Eye Institute (NEI)
Get a dilated eye exam
A dilated eye exam is the best thing you can do for your eye health. It’s the only way to check for eye diseases early on, when they’re easier to treat — and before they cause vision loss.
Image by National Eye Institute (NEI)
Get a dilated eye exam
A dilated eye exam is the best thing you can do for your eye health. It’s the only way to check for eye diseases early on, when they’re easier to treat — and before they cause vision loss.
Image by National Eye Institute (NEI)
Get a dilated eye exam
A dilated eye exam is the best thing you can do for your eye health. It’s the only way to check for eye diseases early on, when they’re easier to treat — and before they cause vision loss.
Image by National Eye Institute (NEI)
Get a dilated eye exam
A dilated eye exam is the best thing you can do for your eye health. It’s the only way to check for eye diseases early on, when they’re easier to treat — and before they cause vision loss.
Image by National Eye Institute (NEI)
Get a dilated eye exam
A dilated eye exam is the best thing you can do for your eye health. It’s the only way to check for eye diseases early on, when they’re easier to treat — and before they cause vision loss.
Image by National Eye Institute (NEI)
Get a dilated eye exam
A dilated eye exam is the best thing you can do for your eye health. It’s the only way to check for eye diseases early on, when they’re easier to treat — and before they cause vision loss.
Image by National Eye Institute (NEI)
Get a dilated eye exam
A dilated eye exam is the best thing you can do for your eye health. It’s the only way to check for eye diseases early on, when they’re easier to treat — and before they cause vision loss.
Image by National Eye Institute (NEI)
Get a dilated eye exam
A dilated eye exam is the best thing you can do for your eye health. It’s the only way to check for eye diseases early on, when they’re easier to treat — and before they cause vision loss.
Image by National Eye Institute (NEI)
Woman checking her glasses
Image by National Eye Institute (NEI)
Vision with age-related macular degeneration
Image by National Eye Institute (NEI)
Vision with cataract
Image by National Eye Institute (NEI)
Vision with diabetic rethinopathy
Image by National Eye Institute (NEI)
Vision with glaucoma
Vision with glaucoma
Image by National Eye Institute (NEI)
Healthy Eyes
Image by National Eye Institute (NEI)
Healthy Eyes
Image by National Eye Institute (NEI)
Healthy Eyes
Image by National Eye Institute (NEI)
Healthy Eyes
Image by National Eye Institute (NEI)
Healthy Eyes
Image by National Eye Institute (NEI)
Get a dilated eye exam
A dilated eye exam is the best thing you can do for your eye health. It’s the only way to check for eye diseases early on, when they’re easier to treat — and before they cause vision loss.
Image by National Eye Institute (NEI)
2:19
Comprehensive Dilated Eye Exam
National Eye Institute, NIH/YouTube
1:56
Animation: Detecting age-related macular degeneration through a dilated eye exam.
National Eye Institute, NIH/YouTube
1:53
Animation: Detecting diabetic retinopathy through a dilated eye exam
National Eye Institute, NIH/YouTube
1:12
What are dilating eye drops?
EyeSmart — American Academy of Ophthalmology/YouTube
Dilated fundus examination
National Eye Institute (NEI), National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Pupillary response
Greyson Orlando
Right Eyeball
TheVisualMD
Tangier disease
National Eye Institute
Pupil
ROTFLOLEB
Mydriasis
OpenStax College
Intraocular lens
Janke
Drawing of a woman having her eyes examined by a doctor using a machine
NIDDK Image Library
Two-sided Adie's pupils of unknown etiology identified by an ophthalmologist
Casper
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
National Eye Institute
Sensitive content
This media may include sensitive content
Slit Lamp Exam
U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Adawn Kelsey/Released
Mydriasis
Nutschig at en.wikipedia
Drawing of an eye with a dilated pupil
NIDDK Image Library
Child's Eye Exam
National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Sensitive content
This media may include sensitive content
Eye exam
U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christopher Boitz
Eye exam
Petty Officer 1st Class Brian A. Goyak, U.S. Navy
Dilated fundus examination - Before
Nicko va
Pupil
National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Dilated fundus examination - After
Nicko va
Dilated fundus examination
grendel|khan and Lady Byron
Sensitive content
This media may include sensitive content
Baby Eye Exam
U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Marcus McDonald
Optical Coherence Tomography
National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Iris (anatomy)
Shanon
Fundus Photography
National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Drawing of an eye with a dilated pupil
NIDDK Image Library
An undilated pupil and dilated pupil
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Get a dilated eye exam
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Get a dilated eye exam
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Get a dilated eye exam
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Get a dilated eye exam
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Get a dilated eye exam
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Get a dilated eye exam
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Get a dilated eye exam
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Get a dilated eye exam
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Get a dilated eye exam
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Woman checking her glasses
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Vision with age-related macular degeneration
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Vision with cataract
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Vision with diabetic rethinopathy
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Vision with glaucoma
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Healthy Eyes
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Healthy Eyes
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Healthy Eyes
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Healthy Eyes
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Healthy Eyes
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Get a dilated eye exam
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Fluorescein Angiography
Fluorescein Angiography
Also called: Fluorescein Eye Angiogram, Fundus Fluorescence Photography
Fluorescein eye angiography is a diagnostic procedure that uses orange fluorescent dye (fluorescein) and a special camera to look at blood vessels and the flow of blood inside the eye. The test is particularly useful in the management of diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
Fluorescein Angiography
Also called: Fluorescein Eye Angiogram, Fundus Fluorescence Photography
Fluorescein eye angiography is a diagnostic procedure that uses orange fluorescent dye (fluorescein) and a special camera to look at blood vessels and the flow of blood inside the eye. The test is particularly useful in the management of diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
health.
Your result is Normal.
A normal result means the vessels appear a normal size, there are no new abnormal vessels, and there are no blockages or leakages.
Related conditions
A fluorescein eye angiography is a test that helps the doctor diagnosis or monitor problems with your eye.
The test involves taking pictures of the blood vessels in your eye with the help of a special dye. This dye is called contrast. Contrast helps the blood vessels show up better in the pictures. The test lets your doctor see the blood vessels in your eye and how blood flows to two parts of your eyes:
The choroid (the middle layer of the eye).
The retina (the back of the eye).
The test usually takes about 2 hours.
The nurse or technician will put drops in your eyes to dilate (enlarge) your pupils.
The nurse will insert an IV (intravenous) catheter (small tube) into a vein in your arm.
You may feel some pain when the catheter is inserted.
The nurse will inject contrast into the IV catheter. The contrast travels up to your eye within a few seconds and “lights up” the blood vessels for the camera.
You may feel some pain if any contrast leaks out of the catheter and into your vein.
The camera technician will take several pictures as the contrast passes through the blood vessels of your eye.
After the test is done, the nurse will remove the IV catheter.
Drink plenty of water and other fluids for 36 hours after the test to flush the contrast out of your body. You can resume your normal activities once the test is done.
You may eat and drink fluids before the test unless your doctor tells you not to.
If you wear contacts, take them out before the test.
Make a plan have someone drive you home after. Your vision may be blurred for about 12 hours after the test so you may not be able to drive.
Let your doctor know if you:
Might be pregnant or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Have ever had a bad reaction to contrast.
Have an allergy to iodine, penicillin, or sulfa drugs.
Feel dizzy or lightheaded when you get blood drawn.
It’s normal to have:
Some pain when the catheter is inserted.
Burning where the catheter is inserted.
Mild nausea.
Vomiting.
A feeling of warmth.
A headache.
A metallic taste after the contrast is injected.
A yellow color to the skin for about 12 hours after the test.
A bright yellow color to the urine for up to 36 hours after the test.
Call the doctor or nurse if:
You itch or have hives.
You start sneezing.
Your heart feels like it’s beating fast or racing.
Your face or hands begin to swell.
You feel lightheaded or dizzy.
You notice these changes where the catheter was:
Pain.
Redness.
https://cc.nih.gov/ccc/patient_education/pepubs/fluorescein.pdf [accessed on Dec 12, 2018]
Fluorescein Angiogram | National Eye Institute [accessed on Dec 12, 2018]
Fluorescein angiography: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [accessed on Dec 12, 2018]
Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."
Additional Materials (20)
Fluorescein angiography
Fluorescein retinography of a 33 years old patient (right eye), showing the optical disc at the inferior right quadrant and the macula lutea at the inferior left quadrant (darker spot). No anomalies detected.
Image by Mekhahertz
Choroid folds in high hypermetropia (fluorescein angiography)
Choroid folds in high hypermetropia (fluorescein angiography)
Image by Maria Sieglinda von Nudeldorf
diabetic retinopathy (fluorescein angiography)
Emptied retinal venules due to arterial branch occlusion in diabetic retinopathy (fluorescein angiography)
Image by Maria Sieglinda von Nudeldorf
Epiretinal Membrane using fluorescein angiography
Epiretinal Membrane using fluorescein angiography
Image by basherkit
American Academy of Ophthalmology-Fluorescein Angiography
Video by retina/YouTube
Can Screens Damage Your Eyes?
Video by SciShow/YouTube
Fluorescein Angiography
Video by Bigsease30/YouTube
Real-Time Fluorescein Angiography
Video by JAMA Network/YouTube
Central retinal vein occlusion
Comparison of foveal avascular zone between optical coherence tomography angiography and fluorescein angiography in patients with retinal vein occlusion.
Image by Werner JU, Böhm F, Lang GE, Dreyhaupt J, Lang GK, Enders C
retinal vein occlusion
Comparison of foveal avascular zone between optical coherence tomography angiography and fluorescein angiography in patients with retinal vein occlusion.
Image by Werner JU, Böhm F, Lang GE, Dreyhaupt J, Lang GK, Enders C
Dendritic corneal ulcer after fluorescein staining
Dendritic corneal ulcer after fluorescein staining
Image by Imrankabirhossain
Keratitis
Dendritic corneal ulcer after fluorescein staining under cobalt blue illumination
Image by Imrankabirhossain
The eye uses many layers of nerve cells to convert light into sight
This image captures the many layers of nerve cells in the retina. The top layer (green) is made up of cells called photoreceptors that convert light into electrical signals to relay to the brain. The two best-known types of photoreceptor cells are rod- and cone-shaped. Rods help us see under low-light conditions but can't help us distinguish colors. Cones don't function well in the dark but allow us to see vibrant colors in daylight.
This image is part of the Life: Magnified collection, which was displayed in the Gateway Gallery at Washington Dulles International Airport June 3, 2014, to January 21, 2015. To see all 46 images in this exhibit, go to https://www.nigms.nih.gov/education/life-magnified/Pages/default.aspx.
Image by Wei Li, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
diagnosis of Stargardt's disease
Optical coherence tomography is used for diagnosis of Stargardt's disease.
Image by medOCT-group, Dept of Med. Physics, Med. Univ. Vienna
Retina close-up
A picture of a patient’s retina is displayed at the optometry clinic March 11, 2016, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. The clinic is the only one in Montana that has a retinal imagining device called an Optos, used to look at the retina without diluting it. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jaeda Tookes)
Image by U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jaeda Tookes
Retinal mapping of the eye
Patients can watch the retinal mapping of their eye as the image slowly rotates, giving a 200-degree view immediately after scanning with the new ophthalmoscope.
Image by Air Force photo by Margo Wright
Chloroquine retinopathy
Chloroquine retinopathy in the left eye of a 55-year-old woman who had taken chloroquine for rheumatoid arthritis for more than 4 years, with an estimated total dose of 365 gr (250 mg daily). She first presented with a history of gradually decreasing visual acuity without any other symptoms approximately two years earlier. The latest examination revealed that her visual acuity was 30/200 right eye and 60/200 left eye. Left image shows typical bull's eye sign and right image is the fluorescien angiogram of the same eye showing increased fluorescence in the macular area and round-shaped blocked fluorescence in the central fovea.
Image by Doctors:Xiaoyun Ma, Liang Yan, Linping He Dongyi He, Hao Lu from Shanghai, China
Optical coherence tomography
The healthy optic disc (optic nerve head) of a 24 year old male (cross-section view). This image is released to Wikimedia with patient consent. Imaged in-vivo with an Optovue iVue Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomographer (SD-OCT) at the office of Drs. Harry Wiessner, Steven Davis, Daniel Wiessner, and Eric Wiessner in Walla Walla, WA, USA.
Image by Wies6014/Wikimedia
Fluorescein Angiography
Fluorescein Angiography
Image by Litev / https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%D0%9D%D0%94%D0%A0-%D0%9C%D0%9B%D0%A6.JPG
Fluorescein Angiography
Fluorescein Angiography
Image by Litev / https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%D0%9F%D0%94%D0%A0-%D0%9D%D0%92%D0%95.JPG
Fluorescein angiography
Mekhahertz
Choroid folds in high hypermetropia (fluorescein angiography)
Maria Sieglinda von Nudeldorf
diabetic retinopathy (fluorescein angiography)
Maria Sieglinda von Nudeldorf
Epiretinal Membrane using fluorescein angiography
basherkit
7:45
American Academy of Ophthalmology-Fluorescein Angiography
retina/YouTube
3:45
Can Screens Damage Your Eyes?
SciShow/YouTube
1:44
Fluorescein Angiography
Bigsease30/YouTube
1:40
Real-Time Fluorescein Angiography
JAMA Network/YouTube
Central retinal vein occlusion
Werner JU, Böhm F, Lang GE, Dreyhaupt J, Lang GK, Enders C
retinal vein occlusion
Werner JU, Böhm F, Lang GE, Dreyhaupt J, Lang GK, Enders C
Dendritic corneal ulcer after fluorescein staining
Imrankabirhossain
Keratitis
Imrankabirhossain
The eye uses many layers of nerve cells to convert light into sight
Wei Li, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
diagnosis of Stargardt's disease
medOCT-group, Dept of Med. Physics, Med. Univ. Vienna
Retina close-up
U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jaeda Tookes
Retinal mapping of the eye
Air Force photo by Margo Wright
Chloroquine retinopathy
Doctors:Xiaoyun Ma, Liang Yan, Linping He Dongyi He, Hao Lu from Shanghai, China
Fundus photo showing focal laser surgery for diabetic retinopathy
Image by National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
Fundus photo showing focal laser surgery for diabetic retinopathy
Fundus photo showing focal laser surgery for diabetic retinopathy.
Image by National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
What’s the Treatment for OHS?
There are 2 effective treatment options for OHS. Both of these treatments are outpatient procedures — meaning you won’t need to spend the night at the hospital.
Injections. Medicines called anti-VEGF drugs can keep OHS from getting worse — and possibly even improve vision.
Laser surgery. Eye doctors can use lasers to keep abnormal blood vessels formed by OHS from leaking, bleeding, or growing.
If you already have serious vision loss from OHS, ask your doctor to refer you to a low vision specialist. They can help you learn how to live with your vision loss.
Source: National Eye Institute (NEI)
Research
Fundus of the eye
Image by ignis
Fundus of the eye
An opthalmogram, an image of the fundus of an eye, of a healthy human male.
Image by ignis
What’s the Latest Research on OHS?
A recent NEI-sponsored study suggests that injections may be the most effective way to treat OHS — but scientists are continuing to study OHS causes and treatments.
Send this HealthJournal to your friends or across your social medias.
Ocular Histoplasmosis Syndrome
Ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (OHS) is an eye problem that can develop from a lung infection called histoplasmosis. Learn what causes OHS and how to treat it.