ICG angiography in North Andover, MA is available through Boston Vision, a physician-led ophthalmology practice serving patients throughout the greater Boston area and the surrounding Merrimack Valley region. Indocyanine green (ICG) angiography is a specialized retinal imaging study that may help ophthalmologists evaluate the health of the choroidal blood vessels beneath the retina. If you have questions about this diagnostic service, our team welcomes your call to discuss whether this evaluation may be appropriate for your eye care needs.
ICG Angiography in North Andover: What You Need to Know
ICG angiography is a diagnostic imaging procedure used to assess blood flow in the choroid, the vascular layer that lies beneath the retina. During the study, indocyanine green dye is introduced intravenously and imaged using near-infrared light as it circulates through the eye’s deeper vascular structures. This allows the treating physician to identify areas of abnormal blood flow, leakage, or vascular compromise that may not be visible through standard fluorescein angiography or routine fundus photography alone.
The study is frequently used to evaluate conditions such as polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, central serous chorioretinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and other choroidal disorders. Research suggests that ICG angiography may provide clinically meaningful information that supports more precise treatment planning for patients with complex retinal and choroidal conditions.
At Boston Vision, diagnostic imaging and evaluation are approached with the same academic rigor that defines our practice. Our physicians are affiliated with Harvard Medical School hospitals and have published original research spanning the corneal, refractive, and ocular health disciplines. Whether you are coming from North Andover, Andover, Methuen, Lawrence, or Haverhill, you can expect a thorough, evidence-informed evaluation from a team with deep roots in academic medicine. To learn more about our physicians, visit the Meet Our Doctors page on our website.
Are You a Candidate for ICG Angiography?
Your ophthalmologist may recommend ICG angiography if you have been experiencing visual symptoms or if a prior examination has identified findings in the retina or choroid that warrant further investigation. Because this is a diagnostic study rather than a treatment, candidacy is determined by your physician based on your clinical presentation and history.
Patients who may benefit from ICG angiography include those with:
Suspected or confirmed age-related macular degeneration with atypical features
Central serous chorioretinopathy or a history of the condition
Unexplained vision changes that have not been fully characterized by other imaging modalities
Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy or related choroidal vascular findings
Inflammatory choroidal conditions that may require monitoring over time
Prior retinal treatment requiring follow-up imaging to assess response
Patients with a known allergy to iodine or iodine-containing compounds should inform their physician before undergoing this procedure, as ICG dye contains iodine. Individual suitability is always determined through a one-to-one consultation with your treating physician. If you are in the North Andover area and would like to explore whether this evaluation may be appropriate for you, we encourage you to reach out to Boston Vision to schedule a consultation.
What to Expect at Boston Vision
Your experience at Boston Vision typically begins with a comprehensive consultation with one of our physicians. During this visit, your doctor will review your ocular and medical history, discuss any symptoms you have been experiencing, and determine whether ICG angiography in North Andover, MA is an appropriate next step for your care.
If the procedure is indicated, the imaging session is generally brief. Most patients tolerate the dye injection well, and the imaging itself is non-contact, meaning no instruments touch the eye’s surface during the study. Pupils are typically dilated prior to imaging to allow a clear view of the posterior segment. Most patients are able to resume normal activities following the appointment, though temporary light sensitivity is common after dilation.
Following the study, your physician will review the imaging findings with you and discuss how the results may inform your ongoing care or treatment planning. One of the aspects of Boston Vision that patients in North Andover and the surrounding communities consistently value is direct access to their treating surgeon. Our physicians provide patients with direct access to their surgeon’s cell phone, so questions that arise after an appointment are never left unanswered. To read more about what our patients have experienced, visit our patient reviews page.
Why Choose Boston Vision for ICG Angiography in North Andover, MA?
Boston Vision was founded by Dr. Samir Melki, MD, PhD, a charter fellow of the World College of Refractive Surgery who completed his fellowship in Cornea and Refractive Surgery at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary at Harvard Medical School. Since 2015, Dr. Melki has served as a part-time Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School, and his research spans corneal transplantation, refractive surgery, and glaucoma innovation. Dr. Jason Brenner, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist, a staff surgeon at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and a part-time lecturer in Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School, bringing additional depth to our academic clinical team.
This academic foundation means that patients seeking ICG angiography in North Andover, MA receive care shaped by current research and evidence-based protocols. Boston Vision operates seven locations across the greater Boston area, making our practice accessible to patients from North Andover, Andover, Methuen, Lawrence, Haverhill, and communities throughout the Merrimack Valley. To find the location most convenient to you, visit our locations page. Patients consistently describe the experience as attentive, unhurried, and genuinely collaborative, which reflects our commitment to one-to-one surgeon access and individualized care. You can also explore the Boston Vision ophthalmology blog for educational content written by our clinical team.
Frequently Asked Questions About ICG Angiography in North Andover, MA
What is ICG angiography used to evaluate?
ICG angiography is a diagnostic imaging study used to assess blood flow in the choroid, the vascular layer beneath the retina. It may help physicians evaluate conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, central serous chorioretinopathy, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, and certain inflammatory choroidal disorders. The study provides detail about deeper vascular structures that other imaging modalities may not fully characterize. Your physician will determine whether this study is appropriate based on your individual clinical findings.
Is ICG angiography safe?
ICG angiography is generally well-tolerated by most patients. As with any procedure involving intravenous dye, there is a small risk of adverse reaction. Patients with iodine allergies or certain medical conditions should discuss their history with their physician prior to the procedure. Your Boston Vision physician will review your full medical and ocular history before recommending this study, and individual experiences may vary. Your care team will address any specific concerns during your consultation.
How long does the procedure take?
The imaging session is typically brief, often completed within 30 to 45 minutes, though the total appointment time may be longer to accommodate dilation, your physician review, and discussion of findings. Most patients return to their normal daily activities following the appointment. Temporary light sensitivity after pupil dilation is common and typically resolves within a few hours. Individual experiences vary, and your physician will provide guidance specific to your situation.
How soon will I receive my results?
In most cases, your Boston Vision physician will review the ICG angiography images with you at or shortly after your imaging appointment. Because our physicians are directly involved in every step of your care, there is no intermediary between the imaging findings and the clinical interpretation. Results are discussed in the context of your broader eye health history, and your physician will explain what the findings may mean for your ongoing management.
Schedule Your Consultation for ICG Angiography in North Andover, MA
If you are in the North Andover, MA area and your physician has recommended further retinal or choroidal evaluation, Boston Vision is here to help. Our academically trained team, led by Dr. Samir Melki and Dr. Jason Brenner, is committed to providing individualized, evidence-informed care to every patient. Contact us today through the online contact form to schedule your consultation and take the next step in understanding your eye health.
