A fluorescein angiogram is primarily used for what purpose?

The correct answer is focused on the primary use of fluorescein angiography, which is to visualize the blood vessels in the retina and assess conditions affecting those vessels. Fluorescein angiography involves injecting a fluorescent dye into the bloodstream and taking photographs of the retina as the dye travels through the blood vessels. This allows for detailed examination of the retinal blood flow and can reveal blockages, leaks, or other abnormalities that may indicate various eye conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and retinal vein occlusions.

In contrast, assessing visual acuity pertains to testing how well a person can see and is typically conducted using an eye chart; this does not directly involve angiography. Diagnosing glaucoma involves measuring intraocular pressure and examining the optic nerve but does not primarily rely on fluorescein angiography, as glaucoma is more about fluid dynamics rather than blood vessel condition. Similarly, performing retinal surgery is a different procedure that addresses physical abnormalities or diseases in the retina, and while doctors may use angiography to inform surgical decisions, the procedure itself is not the primary use of fluorescein angiography.