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Fundus autofluorescence utility warrants further study
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 SriniVas R. Sadda |
KAANAPALI, Hawaii — Fundus autofluorescence has become an important player in retinal dystrophy diagnoses and is playing an increasing role in monitoring disease progression for geographic atrophy and age-related macular degeneration, a speaker said here. However, further studies are needed to determine its clinical significance.
SriniVas R. Sadda, MD, presented an update on fundus autofluorescence at the Retina 2011 meeting.
"Fundus autofluorescence has been an area of interest for more than 40 years but really has only recently become clinically broadly feasible due to a number of technological advances," Dr. Sadda said.
Particularly of note is the introduction of the Flash Fundus Camera AF (Topcon), which provides an inexpensive option that requires only the use of appropriate filters to reduce issues with lens contribution, Dr. Sadda said.
Additionally, the recent availability of wide-field autofluorescence imaging with the Optomap P200Tx (Optos) makes it possible to look at peripheral autofluorescence abnormalities. Yet despite interest in potential uses for this technology, fundus autofluorescence is not without its limitations, according to Dr. Sadda.
"There is much work to be done in standardizing protocols," Dr. Sadda said. "But most importantly, and perhaps one of the biggest limitations, is that the clinical significance of all this really needs to be validated by clinical trials for us to use this technology with confidence."
- Disclosure: SriniVas R. Sadda, MD, has served as a consultant for Heidelberg engineering and receives research support from Carl Zeiss Meditec, Optovue and Optos.
Fundus autofluorescence for the diagnosis of retinal disease is becoming increasingly popular due to its expanding availability, non-invasive nature and ability to provide information on the health of retinal pigment epithelium. Fundus autofluorescence is largely a research tool most widely used for dry AMD. However, given current lack of therapeutic options and our ability to easily clinically diagnose the disease, its role in treating dry AMD is not yet clear. Diseases such as Best’s and Stargardt’s are well imaged using fundus autofluorescence, and it may also be helpful in screening patients for hydroxychloroquine toxicity.
– Jay S. Duker, MD
OSN Retina/Vitreous
Board Member
Disclosure: Dr. Duker has no relevant financial interest to
disclose.
Hawaiian Eye and Retina 2012 will be held January 15-20 at the Grand Wailea Resort & Spa in Maui. Learn more at OSNHawaiianEye.com or RetinaMeeting.com.