The Use of Fundus Autofluorescence in Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Abstract

Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) has been a well-known imaging method for quite some time. However, with developing technologies and novel imaging devices, FAF is being used more often to diagnose and monitor retinal diseases. The density of lipofuscin (LF) and other fluorophores in the retina have a determining role in FAF images. In dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), hyperautofluorescence is seen in cases of increasing LF in the retina pigment epithelium, whereas hypoautofluorescence is detected in decreasing LF resulting from geographic atrophy. In recent years, studies have shown that FAF images provide prognostic information in patients with AMD. This review aims to highlight the importance of FAF imaging in dry AMD.

Prolonged Lifetimes of Histologic Autofluorescence in Ectopic Retinal Pigment Epithelium in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

“… 3 – 6 HRF are also associated with hyperautofluorescent signals in fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging, 7 a widely used imaging technique in the diagnosis and management of AMD. 8 , 9 The development of fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (FLIO) enabled the characterization of FAF signals by fluorescence lifetimes 10 – 12 and spectral emission. 7 , 13 , 14 We recently described a lengthening of FAF lifetimes and a hypsochromic (blue) shift of emission spectra observed by FLIO in the process of RPE degeneration, 7 comprising different steps of dysmorphia, hyperpigmentation, and anterior migration.…”