Autofluorescence From the Outer Retina and Subretinal Space

Abstract

The physical separation of the retinal outer segments from the retinal pigment epithelium hinders proper phagocytosis of the outer segments. Accumulation of the shed but not phagocytized outer segments plays a role in disease manifestations for a number of macular diseases.

Frequency, Genotype, and Clinical Spectrum of Best Vitelliform Macular Dystrophy: Data From a National Center in Denmark

“…23 The progression of OCT and fundus autofluorescence findings in central serous retinopathy were described by Spaide. 26 It was suggested that elongation of photoreceptor outer segments result in progressive hyperautofluorescence. With time autofluorescence becomes granular, possibly due to macrophage accumulation on the surface of the outer retina and in the subretinal space.…”

Acquired Vitelliform Detachment in Patients With Subretinal Drusenoid Deposits (Reticular Pseudodrusen)

“…Because of the intense autofluorescence at wavelengths similar to that used for detection of RPE lipofuscin, the composition of the yellow vitelliform material in cuticular drusen has been proposed to contain retinoids derived from shed outer segments of the photoreceptors. 8 By analogy, the intensely autofluorescent material in association with subretinal drusenoid deposits suggests the presence of retinoids as well.…”

“…In cuticular drusen, subretinal fluid has been seen in some cases, which along with the presumed accumulation of outer segments, and may suggest abnormal RPE function. 8 The simple presence of subretinal fluid has been associated with the accumulation of yellow highly autofluorescent material in a number of diseases ranging from central serous chorioretinopathy to vitelliform macular dystrophy. [8][9][10] Accumulation of autofluorescent material because of defective phagocytosis occurs in the RCS rat.…”

“…8 The simple presence of subretinal fluid has been associated with the accumulation of yellow highly autofluorescent material in a number of diseases ranging from central serous chorioretinopathy to vitelliform macular dystrophy. [8][9][10] Accumulation of autofluorescent material because of defective phagocytosis occurs in the RCS rat. 11 While the exact reasons for the accumulation in association with cuticular drusen is not known, it may involve the contributing factors of subretinal fluid and decreased phagocytosis.…”

Fundus autofluorescence and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography findings of leopard spots in nanophthalmic uveal effusion syndrome

“…Usefulness of FAF was reported in various retinal diseases including Stargardt's disease and Best's disease. [5][6][7] In this report, we examined fundus leopard spots in a case with uveal effusion syndrome by simultaneous imaging by FA, ICGA, FAF and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). The procedure enabled us to identify the exact characteristics of leopard spots in SD-OCT and FAF imaging.…”