Diagnostic testing

Digital retinal photographs

Retinal photographs are taken on the initial examination and on subsequent examinations to document the findings in the eye during treatment and following treatment to monitor for tumor recurrence.

Ultrasound

This is a technique which uses high-energy sound waves to study the inside of the eye and measure the size of the tumor on the initial exam, to follow the size during treatment or to document new tumor formation.

Fluorescein angiography

Angiography is a diagnostic procedure in which a rapid sequence of photographs are taken to document the blood circulation of the retina/choroid. The dye is usually injected into a vein in the arm, forearm, or hand. Since the fluorescein dye is a very bright yellow, the skin may appear jaundiced for a few hours and then the yellow color disappears. The dye is excreted through the kidney causing the urine to be bright yellow for 24-36 hours. Less than 0.2% of all patients to whom these tests are administered have any of the listed side effects. Documented adverse reactions to the dyes which can occur include: nausea, headache, upset stomach, vomiting, light-headedness, fainting, hives or itching. Even more rarely, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) or bronchospasm can occur.