Fundus Autofluorescence in Optic Disc Drusen: Comparison of Confocal Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope and Standard Fundus Camera

Abstract

We have evaluated fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging in optic disc drusen (ODD). After a detailed ophthalmological examination, 28 eyes of 16 patients were evaluated by FAF imaging using a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope and a standard fundus camera. ODD displayed bright nodular autofluorescence. Increased FAF was observed using both the scanning laser ophthalmoscope and the fundus camera. However, high quality images with precise localization of hyaline material at the optic nerve head were only possible using FAF imaging with the confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope. FAF images obtained using the fundus camera revealed only brightness at the optic nerve head without any detail except when maximum flash intensity was used. We conclude that FAF imaging may be used as a non-invasive, safe and rapid ancillary test for the confirmation of the diagnosis of drusen of the optic disc.