ABSTRACT

FAF allows noninvasive imaging of the single-layered RPE. This technique provides images different than standart fundus photographs and fluorescein angiography. FAF may be useful in diagnosis and follow-up of ocular fundus pathologies.

In the FAF images from a normal subject, autofluorescence was absent over the optic disc and the retinal vessels. Rest of the fundus displays autofluorescence owing to the presence of lipofuscin in RPE. Similar to the terminology in fluorescein angiography, hypo and hyperautofluorescence terms are used in FAF. Typical FAF images were obtained from the subjects with fundus abnormalities.

A scanning laser ophthalmoscope (HRA2, Heidelberg Retina Angiograph 2) was used for FAF imaging. Following pupillary dilatation, a clear focus of the retina was obtained in the infrared mode of the device, and then FAF images were recorded at angiography mode without fluorescein sodium injection. Twenty-three subjects with different fundus diseases (age-related macular degeneration, hereditary macular dystrophy, angioid streaks, chorioretinitis and diabetic retinopathy) were included.

Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) is a relatively new technique of retinal imaging and is believed to derive from lipofuscin in retinal pigment epithelium. The aim of the current study is to present the FAF images of different fundus pathologies.