ABSTRACT

Fluorescence is the property of some molecules to emit light energy of a longer wavelenght when stimulated by a light of a certain wavelength. Fundus fluorescein angiography is the classical example for fluorescence. Autofluorescence, on the other hand, is emission of fluorescent light from ocular structures in the absence of fluorescein sodium. Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) is known to originate from lipofuscin in the retinal pigment epithelium. FAF can be recorded by modified fundus cameras or scanning laser ophthalmoscopes and has been used in different retinal disorders. Evaluation of FAF images can be done both qualitatively and quantitatively. Herein, a systematic evaluation of FAF images is described with examples. (Turk J Ophthalmol 2011; 41: 108-13)