FUNDUS AUTOFLUORESCENCE IMAGING

What is Fundus Autofluorescence?

Fundus Autofluorescence imaging is an in vivo imaging method for metabolic mapping of naturally or pathologically occurring fluorophores of the ocular fundus.

Fundus Autofluorescence imaging may allow for identification of retinal diseases when these are not otherwise evident.

Metabolic changes at the level of the photoreceptor/RPE complex may not be visualized by other routine imaging techniques such as Fluorescein Angiography in early manifestations of Macular and Retinal Dystrophies.

In early dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration, alterations at the level of the RPE may become visible in areas that appear normal on fundoscopy.

Why Has Fundus Autofluorescence Been Recommended?

When there is:

an increased accumulation of lipofuscin with age, poor diet,
certain retinal diseases.
pathologic alterations in the inner retina at the central macula.

What Conditions Can Fundus Autofluorescence Diagnose?

Fundus Autofluorescence help investigate patients with unknown visual loss or a positive family history of hereditary Retinal Diseases.

Age related Macular Degeneration (AMD) : Fundus Autofluorescence imaging allows functional evaluation of geographic atrophy in dry AMD.
Retinal Detachment: Hyperfluorescence in areas immediately adjacent to a retinal detachment can demarcate its extent.
Dystrophies and Degenerations: Retinal dystrophies and degenerations also show abnormal autofluorescence.
Retinal Telangiectasiz
Choroidal Nevi and Melanoma