What is Fundus Autofluorescence? Do I Need to Add It to My Imaging Options?

Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) is an imaging technique that exploits the natural contrast agents in the ocular fundus, which emit light at a longer wavelength, when a particular wavelength is used for excitation. First described by Delori et al, ¹ FAF has been shown to provide valuable clinical information in a variety of different retinal diseases. Lipofuscin, a fluorophore in the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, emits a strong autofluorescent signal at a peak wavelength of about 600 to 610 nm when excited with light at a wavelength of around 470 nm (blue light FAF). 2 Another approach to imaging lipofuscin fluorescence uses excitation wavelengths of about 515 to 530 nm (green-light), which can be done using specific filters installed in fundus cameras. Green laser is also used in widefield FAF imaging (Optos, Inc).