Fundus Fluorescein Photography Using Oral Fluorescein

ABSTRACT

Fundus fluorescein angiography has become a standard diagnostic test in ophthalmology. It is reported, however, that various side effects occur with intravenous administration of fluorescein sodium. After it was determined that the oral use of fluorescein sodium was harmless, it was applied to clinical cases. Fundus fluorescein photography was performed in 30 subjects. After fasting fluorescein sodium was administered in a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight followed by the ingestion of 50 ml of water. The first oral fluorogram was taken 10 minutes after peroral dye administration, and repeated 5 times at an interval of 10 minutes. The results of this study were as follows: 1. We obtained sufficient fluorescein images in 28 of the 30 subjects(93%). 2. The fluorescence in the fundus became detectable about 10 minutes after peroral administration. 3. Maximal intensity of fluorescence was usually seen at 30 minutes after peroral administration. 4. There were no adverse reactions from any subject. 5. This may be preferred in studies of children, patients with no visible veins, patients who are psychologically unsuitable for injections, unstable patients who have severe diseases(cardiovascular accident, myocardial infarction, hypertension etc) and in large scale surveys.