Fundus autofluorescence: from basic principles to clinical applications

Authors

  • Joana Roque Ophthalmology Department, Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca, EPE, Amadora, Portugal
  • Júlio Almeida Ophthalmology Department, Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca, EPE, Amadora, Portugal
  • Rita Bastos Ophthalmology Department, Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca, EPE, Amadora, Portugal
  • Susana Henriques Ophthalmology Department, Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca, EPE, Amadora, Portugal
  • Graça Pires Ophthalmology Department, Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca, EPE, Amadora, Portugal
  • Filomena Silva Ophthalmology Department, Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca, EPE, Amadora, Portugal
  • Isabel Prieto Ophthalmology Department, Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca, EPE, Amadora, Portugal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48560/rspo.24546

Keywords:

Fluorescein Angiography, Fundus Oculi, Macular Degeneration, Retinal Diseases

Abstract

Autofluorescence (FAF) is a valuable imaging technique in numerous retinal diseases, that may be underutilized in day-to-day practice. We aim to review the basic principles of blue-light autofluorescence and to highlight its clinical utility.

FAF is a rapid and noninvasive imaging technique of the ocular fundus. FAF images reflect the distribution of lipofuscin in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), allowing an assessment of RPE function and the detection of atrophic areas. There are various systems for image acquisition, resulting in qualitative and quantitative differences that should be considered upon image interpretation. Changes in FAF signal are observed in numerous diseases. Some present typical autofluorescence patterns that assist in the diagnosis, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinal inherited diseases, inflammatory chorioretinopathies and antimalarials retinopathy. In the last years, studies have demonstrated a role for FAF in monitoring and predicting disease progression, especially in patients with AMD.

FAF is a useful modality both for diagnostic and disease monitoring purposes. Incorporation into the routine assessment of diseases such as AMD should be considered.

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Published

2021-12-31

How to Cite

Roque, J., Almeida, J., Basto, R., Henriques, S., Pires, G., Silva, F., & Prieto, I. (2021). Fundus autofluorescence: from basic principles to clinical applications . Revista Sociedade Portuguesa De Oftalmologia, 45(4), 218–224. https://doi.org/10.48560/rspo.24546

Issue

Vol. 45 No. 4 (2021)

Section

Review Article

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