Fundus autofluorescence imaging: Fundamentals and clinical relevance

Abstract

Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) is a relatively new, noninvasive imaging modality that has been developed over the past decade. The autofluorescence (AF) images are obtained through the use of confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (cSLO). It uses the fluorescent properties of lipofuscin (LP) to generate images that provide information beyond that is acquired by utilizing more conventional imaging methods such as fluorescein angiography, fundus photography, and regular optical coherence tomography (OCT). FAF has been an area of interest in ophthalmic research for over 40 years. However, it has only recently become clinically relevant because of various important technological advances. FAF has proved to be helpful in understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnostics, and identification of predictive markers for disease progression and for monitoring of novel therapies.