[Spectral separation in ocular fundus autofluorescence images in patients suffering from age-related macular degeneration].
BACKGROUND
Alterations in the intrinsic ocular fundus fluorescence are under discussion particularly in connection with age-related macular degeneration. However, further knowledge of the chemical substrate of fluorescence is necessary.


METHODS
Ocular fundus autofluorescence was observed using a fundus camera. The fluorescence emission was recorded using a 3-chip CCD camera. For comparison, the fluorescence spectra of lipofuscin, A2-E, FAD, NADH(2) and AGE's were recorded by the Jena ophthalmo-spectrometer.


RESULTS
In contrast to the homogeneous intrinsic fluorescence of a normal fundus, the fluorescence images of patients suffering from AMD showed remarkable local differences. The detected fluorescence spectra showed remarkable overlaps.


CONCLUSIONS
We introduced a new technique enabling the detection of spectral differences in images of ocular fundus autofluorescence. Besides the fluorescence of lipofuscin, we found a green one in patients suffering from nonexudative AMD.
Hammer
M
M
Augenklinik, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Jena. martin.hammer@med.uni-jena.de
Nagel
E
E
Schweitzer
D
D
Richter
S
S
Schweitzer
F
F
Königsdörffer
E
E
Strobel
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005453:Fluorescence; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D008062:Lipofuscin / Q000378:metabolism; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D010781:Photography; D010865:Pilot Projects
D008062:Lipofuscin