Fundus autofluorescence imaging: Fundamentals and clinical relevance.
Fundus autofluorescence (FAF), a relatively new imaging modality, focuses on the fluorescent properties of pigments in the retina to generate images that help us view various disease processes from a different perspective. It aids us in the understanding of the pathophysiology of different retinal disorders. Recently, FAF imaging is being used commonly to help us in the diagnosis, prognosis as well as in determining the treatment response of various retinal disorders. It generates an image based on the distribution pattern of a fluorescent pigment called lipofuscin. Knowing the distribution pattern of lipofuscin in the normal retina is key to understanding an FAF image representing a retinal pathology. Like most other imaging modalities, FAF comes with its own limitations, taking steps to overcome these limitations will be of utmost importance in using this imaging modality to its fullest potential.
Ocular Imaging Research and Reading Center, Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
Yasir J
YJ
Sepah
Retinal Imaging Research and Reading Center, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA ; Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA.
Abeer
A
Akhtar
Ocular Imaging Research and Reading Center, Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
Mohammad Ali
MA
Sadiq
Retinal Imaging Research and Reading Center, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Yamama
Y
Hafeez
Retinal Imaging Research and Reading Center, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Humzah
H
Nasir
Retinal Imaging Research and Reading Center, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Brian
B
Perez
Retinal Imaging Research and Reading Center, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Narissa
N
Mawji
Creighton School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA.
Diana J
DJ
Dean
Retinal Imaging Research and Reading Center, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Daniel
D
Ferraz
Ocular Imaging Research and Reading Center, Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
Quan Dong
QD
Nguyen
Fundus autofluorescence; Imaging; Retina