High-resolution autofluorescence imaging for mapping molecular processes within the human retina

Abstract

Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye disease that often leads to vision loss. High levels of increased accumulation of fluorescent photoproducts appear to induce local retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) dysfunction associated with AMD. Low macular pigment level has also been identified as a risk factor for AMD. We developed multispectral noninvasive fluorescence imaging of the retina by modifying a standard fundus camera with selective filter sets. By exciting the fluorescent photoproducts at two or more wavelengths, we were able to quantify macular pigment. Our image analysis identified artifacts of the camera optics, and we propose a noninvasive modality to obtain a map of the retinal microvascularization. © 2010 Springer-Verlag.