The OCT is the worldwide standard for the diagnosis of diseases of the retina, in particular the macula and diseases of the optic nerve, for example glaucoma.
It has become the world’s most important instrument in the diagnosis of macular diseases and therefore represents the essential examination procedure for the assessment of AMD, macular edema, a macular hole or a so-called macular pucker.
The OCT is not included in the statutory health insurance benefits catalog. This examination must therefore be billed by a private doctor.
Fluorescein angiography shows the blood vessel system of the retina. The examination may be necessary, for example, for macular diseases, inflammation or circulatory disorders (e.g. due to thrombosis), diabetes, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and if tumors are suspected.
The dye is injected into an arm vein and made visible in the blood vessels of the eye using a special photographic imaging technique. Conclusions about the underlying changes can then be drawn from the distribution pattern in the eye.
The dye temporarily causes a yellowish discoloration of the skin, which wears off after a short time. After 4-6 hours, the color is excreted through the kidneys. Allergic reactions to the dye are possible, but very rare. However, special treatment measures are always available so that any reactions can be treated immediately.
