---
title: What is indocyanine green angiography?
description: "Indocyanine green angiography is an imaging test that uses indocyanine green dye and near-infrared light to visualise the choroidal circulation beneath the retina. It complements fluorescein angiography by better showing deeper vessels. ## Procedure The dye is injected into a…"
url: "https://bluefinvision.com/knowledge-base/topics/diagnostics-testing/what-is-indocyanine-green-angiography/"
updated: "2025-12-11"
category: "Diagnostics & Testing"
---

# What is indocyanine green angiography?

Indocyanine green angiography is an imaging test that uses indocyanine green dye and near-infrared light to visualise the choroidal circulation beneath the retina. It complements fluorescein angiography by better showing deeper vessels.

## Procedure

The dye is injected into a peripheral vein, and a specialised camera records images as it circulates through the ocular vasculature. Near-infrared wavelengths penetrate pigment and fluid more effectively, enhancing choroidal detail.

- Requires intravenous access and monitoring for rare allergic reactions
- Images capture early filling, mid-phase, and late staining patterns
- Dye is protein-bound, giving different leakage characteristics to fluorescein
- Contraindicated in certain iodine or shellfish allergies in some protocols

## Clinical Uses

Indocyanine green angiography is particularly useful in conditions such as polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, central serous chorioretinopathy, and occult choroidal neovascularisation. It helps guide targeted treatments including photodynamic therapy.

- Reveals choroidal aneurysms, plaques, and network configurations
- Can clarify ambiguous findings on fluorescein or OCT
- Important for planning and monitoring therapy in selected macular diseases
- Used mainly in specialist retinal centres