Fundus Autofluorescence Characteristics Research Articles

Fundus Autofluorescence in Posterior and Panuveitis-An Under-Estimated Imaging Technique: A Review and Case Series.

Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) is a prompt and non-invasive imaging modality helpful in detecting pathological abnormalities within the retina and the choroid. This narrative review and case series provides an overview on the current application of FAF in posterior and panuveitis. The literature was reviewed for articles on lesion characteristics on FAF of specific posterior and panuveitis entities as well as benefits and limitations of FAF for diagnosing and monitoring disease. FAF characteristics are described for non-infectious and infectious uveitis forms as well as masquerade syndromes. Dependent on the uveitis entity, FAF is of diagnostic value in detecting disease and following the clinical course. Currently available FAF modalities which differ in excitation wavelengths can provide different pathological insights depending on disease entity and activity. Further studies on the comparison of FAF modalities and their individual value for uveitis diagnosis and monitoring are warranted.

Deep phenotypic characterization of the retinal dystrophy in patients with RNU4ATAC-associated Roifman syndrome.

To characterize the retinal phenotype in RNU4ATAC-associated Roifman syndrome. Ten patients (including 8 males) with molecularly confirmed Roifman syndrome underwent detailed ophthalmologic evaluation including fundus imaging, fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and electroretinography (ERG). Six patients had follow-up eye exams. All patients also underwent comprehensive examination for features of extra-retinal Roifman syndrome. All patients had biallelic RNU4ATAC variants. Nyctalopia was common (7/10). Visual acuity at presentation ranged from 20/20 to 20/200 (Age Range: 5-41 years). Retinal exam revealed features of generalized retinopathy with mid-peripheral pigment epithelial changes. A para or peri-foveal ring of hyper-autofluorescence was the commonest FAF abnormality noted (6/8). The SD-OCT demonstrated relative preservation of the foveal ellipsoid zone in six cases; associated features included cystoid changes (5/10) and posterior staphyloma (3/10). The ERG was abnormal in all patients; nine showed generalized rod-cone dystrophy, whilst one patient with sectoral retinal involvement only had isolated rod dystrophy (20 years old). On follow-up examination (Mean duration: 8.16 years), progressive loss of visual acuity (2/6), mid-peripheral retinal atrophy (3/6) or shortening of ellipsoid zone width (1/6) were observed. This study has characterized the retinal phenotype in RNU4ATAC-associated Roifman syndrome. Retinal involvement is universal, early-onset, and overall, the retinal and FAF features are consistent with rod-cone degeneration that is slowly progressive over time. The sub-foveal retinal ultrastructure is relatively preserved in majority of patients. Phenotypic variability independent of age exists, and more study of allelic- and sex-based determinants of disease severity are necessary.

Quantitative multimodal imaging of extensive macular atrophy with pseudodrusen and geographic atrophy with diffuse trickling pattern

To compare clinical and imaging characteristics of extensive macular atrophy with pseudodrusen-like appearance (EMAP) versus diffuse-trickling geographic atrophy (DTGA) and non-diffuse-trickling geographic atrophy (nDTGA) phenotypes of age-related macular degeneration. Prospective, observational study performed in the Ophthalmology Department of IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital between January 2015 and January 2021. Patients examination included fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and optical coherence tomography at baseline and follow-up visits. We measured subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCT), Sattler/choroid ratio (SCR), choroidal vascularity index and ellipsoid zone disruption distance on OCT scans. We calculated progression rates and circularity of the atrophic lesions on FAF images. These variables were compared between the three groups and correlations with progression rates and visual acuity were assessed. Sixty-three eyes from 63 patients were included: 18 with EMAP, 18 with DTGA and 27 with nDTGA. Mean follow-up was 3.73 ± 2.12 years. EMAP and DTGA shared a faster progression, lower circularity and SCR, and higher EZ disruption distance than nDTGA, while SCT and CVI were similar between the three groups. Baseline circularity and SCR correlated with progression rates. EMAP and DTGA show similar OCT and FAF characteristics, which differ from nDTGA.

Fundus autofluorescence pattern in different cases of cone inherited macular dystrophies

AbstractPurpose: To study fundus autofluorescence (FAF) with blue light excitation (488 nm) in different cases of cone inherited macular dystrophies an to assess differential characteristics.Methods: We studied different cone inherited retinal dystrophies due primary to ABCA4 mutation with blue FAF and correlate the findings with the clinical impairment. We compared with the findings in other mutations.Results: We presented 9 cases of Stargardt diseases with ABCA4 mutation with different blue FAF characteristics, from single macular impairment with an hypofluorescence, pattern, hyperreflective flecks around the central lesion or flecks extended outside the vascular branches. The extension of the flecks was no correlate with the degree of functional impairment. We compared with other cone dystrophies such as CRX mutation, with similar findings than the ones with only central impairment. Asymptomatic CRX mutation showed a hyperreflective central lesion.Conclusions: FAF is an essential tool to diagnose and follow‐up inherited retinal dystrophies with primary macular manifestation. Same mutation and clinical stage could present different patterns.

KCNV2-Associated Retinopathy: Detailed Retinal Phenotype and Structural Endpoints—KCNV2 Study Group Report 2

To describe the detailed retinal phenotype of KCNV2-associated retinopathy. Multicenter international retrospective case series. Review of retinal imaging including fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and optical coherence tomography (OCT), including qualitative and quantitative analyses. Three distinct macular FAF features were identified: (1) centrally increased signal (n=35, 41.7%), (2) decreased autofluorescence (n=27, 31.1%), and (3) ring of increased signal (n=37, 44.0%). Five distinct FAF groups were identified based on combinations of those features, with 23.5% of patients changing the FAF group over a mean (range) follow-up of 5.9 years (1.9-13.1 years). Qualitative assessment was performed by grading OCT into 5 grades: (1) continuous ellipsoid zone (EZ) (20.5%); (2) EZ disruption (26.1%); (3) EZ absence, without optical gap and with preserved retinal pigment epithelium complex (21.6%); (4) loss of EZ and a hyporeflective zone at the foveola (6.8%); and (5) outer retina and retinal pigment epithelium complex loss (25.0%). Eighty-six patients had scans available from both eyes, with 83 (96.5%) having the same grade in both eyes, and 36.1% changed OCT grade over a mean follow-up of 5.5 years. The annual rate of outer nuclear layer thickness change was similar for right and left eyes. KCNV2-associated retinopathy is a slowly progressive disease with early retinal changes, which are predominantly symmetric between eyes. The identification of a single OCT or FAF measurement as an endpoint to determine progression that applies to all patients may be challenging, although outer nuclear layer thickness is a potential biomarker. Findings suggest a potential window for intervention until 40 years of age.

Fundus autofluorescence of retinal angiomatous proliferation.

PurposeThe present study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of fundus autofluorescence in Japanese patients with retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 100 eyes from 76 patients (male, n = 45; female, n = 31; age range, 50–94 years; mean ± standard deviation, 81.4 ± 6.4 years) with treatment-naïve RAP, which was diagnosed based on the identification of retinal–retinal anastomosis on early-phase fluorescein angiography or indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) and the identification of a hot spot on late-phase ICGA. RAP was classified into the following three stages: stage 1, proliferation of intraretinal capillaries originating from the deep retinal complex (intraretinal neovascularization); stage 2, growth of the retinal vessels into the subretinal space (subretinal neovascularization); and stage 3, clinically or angiographically observed choroidal neovascularization. In all cases, short-wavelength and near-infrared autofluorescence (SW-AF, NIR-AF) was evaluated using a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope.ResultsThe conditions of the 100 eyes were as follows: stage 1 RAP, n = 6 (6%); stage 2 RAP without retinal pigment epithelial detachment (PED), n = 40 (40%); stage 2 RAP with PED, n = 44 (44%); and stage 3 RAP, 10 (10%). On NIR-AF imaging, the number of abnormalities that were observed to correspond to the RAP lesions on ICGA (87 eyes, 87%) was significantly greater in comparison to SW-AF imaging (27 eyes, 27%). The mean follow-up period in all 76 patients was 39.2 months. In the 76 patients with unilateral disease, 21 (21%) eyes developed RAP in the fellow eye during the follow-up period. Among 18 eyes that were examined by both SW-AF and NIR-AF imaging before the onset of RAP lesions, NIR-AF imaging showed hypoautofluorescence in 15 (83%) eyes before the onset of RAP lesions.ConclusionsSW-AF and NIR-AF abnormalities may be related to the dysfunction of the photoreceptor/retinal pigment epithelium complex. Hypoautofluorescence on NIR-AF imaging may accurately indicate the presence or onset of RAP lesions.

The fundus autofluorescence of retinal astrocytic hamartomas in tuberous sclerosis complex

Objective: To investigate the autofluorescence findings of retinal astrocytic hamartoma (RAH) in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Methods: It was a retrospective case series study. Twenty-three patients (35 eyes) who were referred to Department of Internal Medicine and Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital between November 2012 and June 2018 with established TSC-associated RAH diagnosis were included. The findings of fundus autofluorescence, fundus photos and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were retrospectively reviewed. RAH lesions were classified into three types based on the morphology shown in fundus photos. The fundus autofluorescence features of TSC-associated RAH were described. The Welch's test and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analysis. Results: The patients were 8 males and 15 females aged (28±9) years old (range, 15-55 years). Seventy-two RAH lesions were examined, including 59 type 1 RAHs, 7 type 2 RAHs and 6 type 3 RAHs. According to fundus autofluorescence, type 1 RAHs could be further divided into reduced, speckled and background autofluorescence patterns, among which the hypoautofluorescence pattern accounted for the majority (69.5%, 41/59), while the speckled pattern was usually accompanied by outer retinal disorganization and discontinuation of photoreceptor outer segment as revealed by SD-OCT. No significant difference was revealed in tumor thickness for reduced, speckled and background autofluorescence patterns of type 1 RAHs [(490.2±97.9) vs. (589.2±221.6) vs. (463.0±76.2) μm respectively, F=1.426, P=0.283]. Among type 1 RAHs, the number of reduced autofluorescence pattern lesions found in perifoveal, peripapillary, inferonasal, inferotemporal, superonasal, superotemporal quadrants were 9, 4, 4, 7, 4, 13 respectively, while that of speckled autofluorescence pattern lesions were 3, 0, 3, 2, 3, 2 and background autoflurorescence pattern lesions 3, 0, 1, 1, 0, 0. No significant difference was revealed in location distribution (P=0.452) either. Type 2 RAHs featured numerous hyperautofluorescent spots or plaques, and calcification in type 2 RAHs varied in autofluorescence intensity. Type 3 RAHs, combining the features of type 1 and 2 RAHs, were characterized by central hyperautofluorescent spots and hypoautoflurescent rim, but the area of hyperautofluorescence was smaller than that of calcification as shown in fundus photos. Conclusions: In TSC, the fundus autofluorescence of RAHs varies from hypoautofluorescence to hyperautofluorescence patterns according to RAH types. The retinal involvement and calcification degree of TSC-associated RAHs could be reflected on the autofluorescence, which was beneficial to the full assessment. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2020, 56: 211-216).

Blue-Light Fundus Autofluorescence Imaging following Ruthenium-106 Brachytherapy for Choroidal Melanoma

Purpose: To describe changes in blue-light fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and corresponding alterations in optical coherence tomography (OCT) within the irradiation field after ruthenium-106 brachytherapy (RBT) for choroidal melanoma. Methods: Consecutive patients with choroidal melanoma were included in a retrospective case series. Patients were treated with RBT at a single institution. As part of their routine examination patients underwent multimodal imaging including ultrasonography, fundus photography, OCT, and FAF imaging (excitation = 488 nm). FAF images were analysed for changes within the irradiation field. Results: 31 patients (mean age 65.7 years) were treated with RBT for unilateral choroidal melanoma. Mean tumour height before therapy was 2.7 mm (SD 1.0). Mean follow-up time was 23.3 months (SD 13.3). Main FAF characteristics attributable to RBT emerged as increased FAF with speckled decreased FAF (FAF mottling) within the irradiation field and a rim of increased FAF at its border. OCT scans demonstrated loss of the ellipsoid zone and the external limiting membrane, thinning of the neurosensory retina, and alterations of the retinal pigment epithelium like clumping, migration, and atrophy. Conclusions: FAF changes in the irradiation field after RBT of choroidal melanomas follow a characteristic pattern that correlates with distinct OCT alterations. FAF and OCT imaging give additional information to monitor effects of RBT and, therefore, complement multimodal imaging techniques after plaque therapy.

Ultra-Widefield Fundus Autofluorescence Imaging of Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa: A Standardized Grading System in Different Genotypes

To report a genotype-phenotype correlation study of patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) based on ultra-widefield (UWF) fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging. Case series. Thirty-four patients with RP. This retrospective study included RP patients with confirmed causative genetic variants and UWF FAF imaging data. Qualitative grading criteria including the pattern of macular abnormal autofluorescence, decreased autofluorescence (DAF), and its extent and distribution were applied to evaluate the genotype-phenotype correlation. The main parameters measured were increased or decreased patterns and extent of autofluorescence. Thirty-four unrelated patients 38±19 years of age (range, 9-82 years) were enrolled. Mutations in 17 different genes were detected in patients, including 7 patients having mutations in USH2A, 4 in DHDDS, 4 in RPGR, 3 in PRPF31, and 3 in RP1. Patients with nummular DAF and widespread DAF were significantly older (59±14 years and 56±19 years, respectively). All 3 patients with PRPF31 mutations showed an abnormal macular ring hyperautofluorescence and a circular pattern of coarse DAF distributed in Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study fields 1, 2, and 3 with sparing of the far periphery. In other genotypes, no specific DAF or macular abnormal autofluorescence pattern could be discerned. Specific UWF FAF characteristics in RP patients were correlated strongly with patient age and stage of the disease. Particular UWF FAF characteristics were found to be more prominent in a unique genotype.

Changes of fundus autofluorescence in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy before and after intravitreal ranibizumab injections

Objective To observe the characteristics of fundus autofluorescence (FAF) in patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) before and after intravitreal ranibizumab injections. Methods A retrospective case series. Seventeen patients (17 eyes) including 11 males and 6 females were enrolled in this study. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), FAF and indocyanine green angiography examination were performed on all eyes. The eyes were divided into hypo-autofluorescence group (8 eyes) and mixed autofluorescence group (9 eyes) according to the fluorescence degree. There was no differences of BCVA between two groups (t=2.403, P=0.072).All eyes received monthly intravitreal ranibizumab injections for 3 months followed by an as-needed reinjection schedule. All eyes were followed up for 12 months. FAF was performed at the 3rd, 6th and 12th month after first treatment. The changes of FAF characteristics and BCVA before and after treatment were observed. Results Before the treatment, the PCV lesions showed two distinct FAF patterns: the confluent hypo-autofluorescence at the polypoidal lesions and the granular hypo-auto fluorescence at branching choroidal vascular networks (BVN). During the treatment, the abnormal FAF area of the whole lesions in all eyes reduced and gradually returned to normal. At the 3rd month after treatment, the central hypo-autofluorescence of polyps was surrounded by a hyper-auto fluorescence ring, and with time, the ring was weakened or eliminated. However, all the hypo-autofluorescence findings in BVN at baseline were unchanged during the follow-up period. There was no significant differences in BCVA between hypo-auto fluorescence group and hyper-autofluorescence group at different follow-up times (t=2.674, 2.862, 2.250; P=0.058, 0.052, 0.081). At final follow-up, 5 eyes (62.5%) in hypo-auto fluorescence group and 3 eyes (33.3%) in hyper-auto fluorescence group had increased BCVA, the different was not significant (P=0.347). Conclusions Before the treatment, there were the central hypo-autofluorescence of polyps and circumferential hypo-auto fluorescence ring or confluent hypo-autofluorescence. After the treatment, the auto fluorescence of polyps increased and then gradually returned to normal. Key words: Choroid diseases; Angiogenesis inhibitors; Ranibizumab

Choosing the wrong imaging modalities

SummaryThe diagnosis of uveitis often requires careful clinical examination of the peripheral retina. Ultra‐wide‐field angiography could prove useful in the clinical evaluation and treatment such patients. However, its use is often restricted to intermediate and posterior uveitis. There are instances in which ultra‐wide‐field FA can be paramount in evaluating the peripheral angiographic expression of the retina in anterior uveitis.Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) is a novel noninvasive imaging technique that assess the health and viability of the RPE/photoreceptor complex. Characteristic fundus autofluorescence patterns have been described in eyes affected by inflammation of the posterior segment, and these patterns have provided insights into the pathogenesis of posterior uveitis entities. In addition, preliminary data indicate that fundus autofluorescence characteristics may serve as markers of disease activity, allow prediction of visual prognosis, and may help determine the adequacy of therapy.Indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) provides the clinician with a powerful adjunctive tool in choroidal inflammatory disorders. It still needs to be determined if ICGA can prove to be a follow up parameter to evaluate disease progression.

Morpho-functional analysis of Stargardt Disease for reading

ObjectiveTo analyze Stargardt disease (STGD) by morpho-functional examination and investigate the relationship between morpho-functional measures and reading performance. DesignObservational case series study. ParticipantsFifteen patients with STGD. MethodsTwenty-six eyes of 15 patients underwent complete ophthalmic evaluation. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence (FAF), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and microperimetric examinations were performed. FAF and optical coherence tomography (OCT) overlap on microperimetric images was obtained in order to evaluate both tomographic and FAF features passing through the eccentric fixation area. Both morphologic features and functional data were correlated with magnification of prescribed device and reading rate. ResultsUnivariable analysis showed a significant correlation between magnification power and greatest linear dimension of both OCT and FAF (r = 0.69 and r = 0.67; p < 0.05). Magnification power was related to best corrected visual acuity (r = 0.56; p < 0.05). Retinal sensitivity map (r = 0.57; p < 0.05) was considered an indicator of reading rate. Magnification levels showed a positive correlation with eccentric preferred retinal location (p = 0.03) and the degree of FAF alteration (normal, dishomogeneous, ipoautofluorescence; p < 0.0001). ConclusionsAs a result of the overlapping of OCT/FAF imaging on microperimetric exam, residual activity of outer retinal layers passing through the eccentric fixation area seems to be related with required magnification and reading rate. Identification of morpho-functional parameters is helpful for designing a customized rehabilitative program.

Fundus autofluorescence characteristics of nascent geographic atrophy in age-related macular degeneration.

We examined the fundus autofluorescence (FAF) characteristics of nascent geographic atrophy (nGA), pathological features preceding the development of drusen-associated atrophy in eyes with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that can be visualized using high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT). Spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT) and FAF imaging were performed longitudinally in 221 eyes with intermediate AMD (having at least drusen >125 μm), and seven areas that developed drusen-associated atrophy in five eyes were examined and categorized with respect to FAF characteristics. These categories then were used to characterize 49 areas of nGA or drusen-associated atrophy on SD-OCT identified in a cross-sectional study with 230 participants with bilateral intermediate AMD. Sequential imaging revealed that FAF characteristics in the atrophic areas could be grouped into three categories: predominantly hyperautofluorescent (hyperAF), presence of both hyper- and hypoautofluorescence (mixed AF), or predominantly hypoautofluorescent (hypoAF). In the cross-sectional study, the FAF characteristics were significantly dependent on the type of atrophic area (P = 0.002), where areas of nGA appeared most commonly as being mixed AF (63%), while areas of drusen-associated atrophy most commonly as hypoAF (86%). Fundus autofluorescence imaging revealed that areas of nGA were most commonly characterized by both hyper- and hypoautofluorescent changes, which differs from areas of drusen-associated atrophy that most often appeared hypoautofluorescent. These findings provide important insights into the FAF characteristics of areas undergoing atrophic changes in eyes still considered to be in the early stages of AMD by current methods, and thus assist in the characterization of disease severity in these early stages.

Fundus autofluorescence features of optic disc pit related maculopathy

Fundus autoflorescence (FAF) is a new investigational tool used to identify lipofuscin distribution in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell monolayer. It has recently been used to analyze age-related macular degeneration, central serous chorioretinopathy, retina telangiectasia and diffuse and macula retina dystrophies. Our study reports its use to evaluate two different patterns of presentation in optic disc pit related maculopathy, and findings suggest that FAF as an investigational tool can give valuable information for evaluation of the RPE – photoreceptor complex and the metabolic condition of RPE in this disorder.

Reappraisal of geographic atrophy patterns seen on fundus autofluorescence using a latent class analysis approach.

To reappraise fundus autofluorescence (FAF) patterns in patients with geographic atrophy (GA) with the aim of simplifying the existing classification and to evaluate their stability with time using a data-driven approach, latent class analysis (LCA). One hundred seventy-one patients in the prospective, natural history study on GA (GAIN, NCT01694095) with a minimum follow-up of 12 months were screened. Five experienced observers independently evaluated FAF patterns according to the original classification, and LCA was used to determine the new, emerging categories (classes). A set of prespecified FAF features was then used to characterize each resulting class. Seventy-five eyes of 59 subjects with a median follow-up of 19 months were included. The optimal LCA model resulted in five classes, which showed an association with GA size, among others. The classes did not change in a given individual during the study period, but the time frame may have been too short to evaluate hypothetical transitions. The original description of FAF patterns, which is based exclusively on distribution of hyperautofluorescence around GA, ultimately classifies patients according to area of atrophy. These results suggest that FAF patterns are not true phenotypes and that they rather represent different stages of the disease. This may have implications regarding the role of lipofuscin on disease pathogenesis.

Fundus autofluorescence features in the inflammatory maculopathies.

PurposeTo describe the fundus autofluorescence (FAF) features of the inflammatory maculopathies and develop a quantification method for FAF analysis.MethodsThis is a retrospective, consecutive case series of patients with inflammatory maculopathies from two tertiary centers. The clinical findings, demographics, and FAF imaging characteristics were reviewed. Foveal autofluorescence (AF) was analyzed. Median and standard deviation (SD) of foveal AF intensity were measured.ResultsThirty eyes of 15 patients were evaluated with both qualitative and quantitative FAF analysis. In acute macular neuroretinopathy, the active phase showed foveal hypoautofluorescence, which became hypoautofluorescent with resolution. In acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy, multiple lesions with hypoautofluorescent centers with hyperautofluorescent borders were observed in active disease and became hypoautofluorescent with disease convalescence. In multifocal choroiditis and punctate inner choroiditis, the active hyperautofluorescent lesions progressed to inactive, hypoautofluorescent scars. Active serpiginous choroiditis showed hyperautofluorescent borders adjacent to a helicoid-shaped, hypoautofluorescent scar. Active unilateral acute idiopathic maculopathy (UAIM) showed a complex pattern of hypo- and hyperautoflourescence in the macula. The median foveal AF was the greatest in acute macular neuroretinopathy and UAIM among the maculopathies, while the greatest SD of foveal AF intensity was observed in UAIM.ConclusionThe active phase of the majority of inflammatory maculopathies was characterized by hyperautofluorescent lesions. Increased SD of foveal AF correlated with a mixture of hypo-and hyperautoflourescence. Median and SD may be useful metrics in foveal AF and quantifiable values that may be assessed over time as a disease process evolves. Improvements in quantification methods of FAF imaging may allow us to objectively evaluate posterior uveitis.

Autofluorescence patterns as a predictive factor for neovascularization.

To investigate fundus autofluorescence (FAF) patterns in patients with nonexudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and to test if FAF patterns affect the development of choroidal neovascularization (CNV). One hundred one patients with early AMD underwent a detailed ophthalmological examination. Fundus autofluorescence imaging was performed with a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope following a standard protocol. The classification of the International Fundus Autofluorescence Classification Group was used for the description of the FAF patterns. One hundred seventy-eight eyes of 101 patients (59 women, 42 men) with a mean (±SD) age of 66.4 (±6.1) years were included. The mean (±SD) follow-up was 41.3 (±27) months. One hundred seventy-eight eyes presented various types of drusen with or without hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation at initial examination. During follow-up, a total of 22 (12.3%) eyes developed CNV. The most frequent pattern for CNV development was the patchy pattern in 30.4%, followed by linear in 25%, and reticular pattern in 20.8% of eyes. Fundus autofluorescence imaging using a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope is a useful technique to identify FAF characteristics in patients with nonexudative AMD. Different patterns of FAF abnormalities can be obtained in these eyes. Our results indicate that patchy, linear, and reticular patterns are the specific patterns associated with CNV development in nonexudative AMD.

Fundus autofluorescence characteristics in patients with diabetic macular edema

Background Diabetic macular edema (DME) is one of the major causes of visual impairment in patients with diabetes mellitus. DME shows a variety of clinical characteristics with unpredictable results to treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of fundus autofluorescence (FAF) in DME, which is a rapid, noninvasive technique for fundus diseases. Methods A total of 18 patients (30 eyes) with clinically significant macular edema (CSME) were enrolled. FAF imaging was performed with a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope. Other ophthalmic examinations included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), MP-1 microperimetry, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Main outcome measurements included BCVA, macular sensitivity (MS), central retinal thickness (CRT), central retinal volume (CRV), the integrity of the inner segment-outer segment junction (IS/OS), and the integrity of the external limiting membrane (ELM). Results Among the 30 eyes, four eyes (13.3%) had normal foveal FAF and 26 eyes (86.7%) had abnormal FAF. Abnormal FAF was mainly divided into three types: cystoid increased FAF (iFAF) 16 eyes (53.3%), spot iFAF six eyes (20%), irregular decreased FAF (dFAF) four eyes (13.3%). According to the FAF morphology, patients were categorized into four groups: normal, cystoid iFAF, spot iFAF, and irregular dFAF. There was a significant difference in BCVA (P &lt;0.001) and MS (P &lt;0.05) among the four groups. The visual function of patients with spot iFAF and irregular dFAF was relatively poor. However, there was no difference in CRT (P=0.186) and CRV (P=0.191) among the four groups. In the normal FAF group, the photoreceptor layers were mostly intact. Regarding the cystoid iFAF group, the photoreceptor layers were relatively intact, while in the other two groups, IS/OS and ELM were disrupted in most patients. No one had intact IS/OS or ELM layer. Conclusions FAF might reflect the damage of the retina and had a relationship with visual function as well as photoreceptor integrity, which gives new insight into the evaluation of DME. Dynamic FAF monitoring helps to better evaluate the disease progression of DME as well as visual function.

The fundus autofluorescence of the multiple evanescent white dot syndrome

To observe the imaging features of fundus autofluorescence (FAF) in patients with multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS). Retrospective case-series study. Eight cases of MEWDS patients visited Xingtai eye hospital between January 2009 and December 2010 were included in this study. Three males and 5 females, aged from 19 to 48 years, mean age was 33 years old. The span between onset and visit to the hospital was between 2 to 12 days, the average time was 6.5 days. All the patients underwent comprehensive ophthalmic examination and fundus color photography, FAF, fluorescein angiography (FFA) , indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) by HRA-2. Two different spectrums of autofluorescence excited by laser of 488 nm and 787 nm were recorded, which were related to lipofuscin and melanin respectively. Dynamic imaging changes in different stages were observed and compared. The autofluorescence of fundus with white dot was paid extra attention. The white dots in 8 eyes showed strong autofluorescence with a vague boundary in the FAF image excited by laser of 488 nm but normal autofluorescence under the FAF787 nm. The strong autofluorescence of 488 nm agreed with the white dots in the fundus photograph, hyperfluorescence lesions in FFA and the hypofluorescence focus in the later stage of ICGA. After the disease cured, the hyperfluorescence lesions in FFA also faded. The fundus autofluorescence features of patients with MEWDS are hyperfluorescence in the site of white dots in FAF488 nm.It is the characteristic change of this disease.

Fundus Autofluorescence

Fundus Autofluorescence (FAF) is a unique in vivo method of fundus imaging. Although it has been an area of active research over the last half a century, its only in the past decade that major advances have been made in its clinical application. The imaging has its basis in the mapping of normal and abnormal fluorophores in various retinal conditions mainly lipofuschin. Recording of FAF is relatively easily accomplished, requires little time and is non-invasive. FAF signals are emitted across a broad wavelength spectrum. FAF imaging aids in identification and early detection of many retinal conditions often before changes can be picked up on other investigative modalities. FAF can assist in tracking temporal changes in fundus lipofuschin accumulation; detect pre clinical stage of fundus disorders related to lipofuschin, aid differential diagnoses based on different lipofuschin accumulation patterns and also in assessing risk factors that determine lipofuschin accumulation. FAF can also predict progression in various degenerative and age related retinal disorders before actual functional deficit occurs. In this review we shall discuss the principle and techniques of acquiring an FAF image. We shall describe a normal FAF picture with its basis and review various FAF features of various fundus pathologies. Many vitreo retinal diseases like age related macular degeneration, idiopathic macular telangiectasia, choroidal neovascular membranes, central serous chorioretinopathy among others have different autofluorescence patterns which will be discussed in this review.