# What Does Eye Angiography Cost?

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/blog/eye-diseases/eye-angiography-cost

**Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-16

> **Summary:** Eye angiography (fundus fluorescein angiography) images the blood vessels of the retina with an injected dye and a special camera to reveal blockage or leakage. It is a short, painless diagnostic procedure, not a treatment; its cost varies with the hospital, the doctor's experience and other factors, and no specific price is given.

## Quick Facts
- **Duration:** Approximately ten to twenty minutes, mostly preparation and image recording
- **Pain:** Painless; patients generally feel only the drops and the line being opened
- **Blurred vision from dilating drops:** Returns to normal within two to three hours
- **Side effects:** Very mild, pass within a few hours
- **Purpose:** Diagnosis and treatment planning, not treatment
- **Driving:** Not advised on the same day

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## What is Eye Angiography?
The blood vessels inside the eye are imaged using special dyes, and a special camera records circulation in the retinal vessels to reveal blockage and leakage. It is not surgery and involves no surgical intervention; the dye is given through a vein. It is not done on every patient, only when anomalies have been noticed. The patient can carry on with daily life afterwards.

## What It Diagnoses
- **Retinal vein occlusion:** causes sudden sight loss.
- **Masses and anomalies** in the retina and other areas.
- **Diabetic retinopathy:** identifies damaged vessels.
- **Uveitis and inflammation:** detects retinal oedema and leakage.

## Types
- **Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA):** the most widely used; shows retinal vessels clearly.
- **Indocyanine green angiography (ICG):** images the choroidal vessels beneath the retina more clearly.

## How It is Done
- Dilating drops are put in the eyes; the patient is informed and consent is taken.
- A line is opened in the arm and dye is injected very quickly.
- Cameras follow the dye through the eye's vessels via the pupil; any blockage or leakage is identified immediately.
- The images are examined in detail and treatment is planned.

## Possible Side Effects
Very mild and passing within a few hours:
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Allergic reactions such as itching and redness
- Temporary yellowing of the skin
- Temporary yellow or orange urine

## Who Should Not Have It?
It may not be appropriate with severe kidney failure or a previous serious allergic reaction to a fluorescein injection. The doctor reviews medical history and current medication beforehand.

## Cost
The cost varies with the hospital, the doctor's experience and expertise, device technology, the centre's location, the need for additional tests and the institution's pricing policy. Reliability and experience of the centre should be considered, not only the fee.

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## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Who is eye angiography carried out on?**
A: Patients in whom retinal vein occlusion, diabetic retinopathy, uveitis, certain intraocular masses or vascular leakage need investigating; it is not routine and depends on the doctor's examination findings.

**Q: Do I need to fast beforehand?**
A: Centres differ: some prefer a light meal, others a few hours of fasting. Medication and diabetes also matter, so get preparation guidance from the centre carrying out the procedure.

**Q: Can I drive afterwards?**
A: Not on the same day; blurred vision and light sensitivity are possible for a few hours, so come with someone. Recovery time varies.

**Q: Is it covered by insurance?**
A: It depends on the diagnosis, the institution and the insurance terms; check with your insurer and the hospital.

**Q: Why do prices vary between centres?**
A: Device technology, location, doctor expertise, additional tests and pricing policy all affect the cost.
