A Review of Fluorescein Angiography, Indocyanine Green Angiography, and Other Fluorophores in Ophthalmology

Purpose: To review fluorophores used in ophthalmology and summarize properties relevant to imaging, diagnosis, and safety. Methods: Discussion of excitation, emission, and other essential properties of specific fluorophores. Results: Sodium fluorescein, a fluorophore, is used for angiography and remains the cornerstone for retinal vascular imaging. Indocyanine green is also a fluorophore that absorbs light at longer wavelengths, enabling improved choroidal visualization and aiding in the diagnosis of various vascular, inflammatory, and neoplastic diseases. It is also used to stain the internal limiting membrane during vitreoretinal surgery. Other fluorophores, such as rose bengal, are used topically and can be used in the treatment of corneal fungal infections. Riboflavin has uses in the cornea, and curcurmin has potential uses due to its binding affinity to amyloid. Conclusions: In addition to fluorescein and indocyanine green, there are expanding uses for additional fluorophores, with further investigation needed for new imaging and treatment techniques.