Background
Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) is a noninvasive, rapid, and potentially useful imaging modality that continues to evolve. It reflects metabolic changes at the level of retinal pigment epithelium/photoreceptor complex and variation of fluorescence derived from lipofuscin and thus provides an assay of retinal and retinal pigment epithelium function.
Aim
Demonstration of the technique, concept, and clinical value of FAF.
Patients and methods
This study was performed on 63 eyes of 41 patients from May 2016 to May 2017 with various retinal diseases (age-related macular degeneration, macular dystrophy, central serous retinopathy) using digital fundus camera TRC-NW8F Plus Topcon with special filter (Spaide filter). Abnormalities in images of FAF were analyzed and correlated with the corresponding alteration in fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography findings.
Results
A broad range of characteristic FAF patterns were observed. Distribution and variation with disease imply that the fluorescence is derived from lipofuscin in the pigment epithelium. Autofluorescence is shown to be abnormally high in certain inherited diseases, and low in the presence of retinal atrophy.
Conclusion
FAF imaging constitutes a useful additive tool in the diagnosis and follow-up of various retinal diseases and may detect abnormalities beyond those detected on funduscopic examination.