Orally administered fluorescein angiography for ultra-wide-field imaging: is a safe and effective modality across different age groups and fundus diseases?

TL;DR

Orally administered fluorescein angiography is a safe and effective imaging method for diagnosing eye conditions across various ages and diseases.

Contribution

Demonstrates oral fluorescein angiography as a viable alternative to intravenous methods with high image quality and safety.

Findings

97.9% of images were graded as high quality, with 99.7% being clinically useful.

No significant differences in image quality or circulation times across age groups.

Mild adverse events occurred in only 2.1% of patients, with no severe reactions.

Abstract

To comprehensively evaluate the clinical utility, imaging performance, and safety of orally administered fluorescein angiography (oral FA) combined with an ultra-wide-field imaging system in the diagnosis and management of fundus disorders.

This prospective study enrolled 382 patients (676 eyes) aged 4–83 years, comprising 164 females and 218 males. All participants underwent oral FA after ingesting a weight-based dose of fluorescein sodium. Anonymized peak-phase images were independently graded by four retina specialists using a standardized three-parameter scoring system. Images were classified as high, moderate, or poor quality based on total scores. Circulation times (first appearance time, detailed visualization time, and optimal visualization time) and adverse events were systematically recorded. Statistical analyses assessed differences in image quality and timing across age groups and disease categories.

Oral FA was successfully performed in all cases. Among 676 eyes, 662 (97.9%) were graded as high quality, 12 (1.8%) as moderate quality, and 2 (0.3%) as poor quality. Clinically useful images were obtained in 99.7% of cases. No significant differences in image quality or circulation times were observed across age groups. However, image quality was significantly higher in retinal degenerative diseases compared to retinal vascular diseases (P = 0.001), though both groups maintained diagnostically adequate scores. In addition, no significant differences in circulation times (first appearance time, detailed visualization time, and optimal visualization time) were observed among any disease groups. Mild adverse events (nausea, rash) occurred in only 2.1% of patients, with no severe reactions—even in six patients with prior intravenous FA (IVFA) allergy history.

Oral FA is a well-tolerated and clinically effective imaging modality that produces high-quality, diagnostically reliable angiograms across all age groups and multiple retinal disease categories. Its non-invasive nature, excellent safety profile, and ability to visualize peripheral pathology support its use as a practical and valuable alternative to conventional IVFA, particularly in pediatric, needle-phobic, or allergy-prone populations.

Figures