Short wavelength fundus autofluorescence versus near-infrared fundus autofluorescence, with microperimetric correspondence, in patients with geographic atrophy due to age-related macular degeneration. Issue 8 (24th October 2010)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pilotto, Elisabetta; Vujosevic, Stela; Melis, Riccardo; Convento, Enrica; Sportiello, Patrik; Alemany-Rubio, Ernesto; Segalina, Sara; Midena, Edoardo
• Is Part Of: British journal of ophthalmology. Volume 95:Issue 8(2011)
• Page Start: 1140
• Page End: 1144
• Publication Date: 2010-10-24
• Subjects: Geographic atrophy -- age-related macular degeneration -- fundus autofluorescence -- microperimetry -- macula -- vision -- degeneration -- imaging -- diagnostic tests/investigation; Ophthalmology -- Periodicals; 617.7
• DOI: 10.1136/bjo.2010.187344
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1161

Abstract

Abstract : Aim: To compare standard short-wavelength fundus autofluorescence (SW-FAF) and near infrared-wavelength fundus autofluorescence (NIR-FAF) in detecting geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration, and its retinal sensitivity impairment. Methods: Twenty-five consecutive patients (36 eyes) affected by GA were studied by means of fundus autofluorescence imaging, using both SW-FAF (excitation: 488 nm, emission >500 nm) and NIR-FAF (excitation: 787 nm, emission >800 nm). All patients underwent microperimetry to assess fixation characteristics and retinal sensitivity. Results: In the extrafoveal region, the total hypoautofluorescent (hypo-FAF) area was significantly wider with NIR-FAF than with SW-FAF (8.03±6.68 mm 2 vs 7.37±6.34 mm 2 respectively; p=0.005). In the foveal area, the total hypo-FAF area was smaller with NIR-FAF than with SW-FAF (0.19±0.03 mm 2 versus 0.42±0.12 mm 2 respectively; p=0.008). Foveal sparing was larger at NIR-FAF compared with SW-FAF (p=0.021). In nine cases (25%) the site of fixation was hypoautofluorescent on SW-FAF, but normal on NIR-FAF with preserved retinal sensitivity. Conclusions: Standard SW-FAF may overestimate GA in the foveal area, correctly detected by NIR-FAF. In the extrafoveal area, SW-FAF may underestimate GA. Standard SW-FAF should be integrated with NIR FAF when detecting and following GA to avoid inconsistent results and misinterpretation, from both a morphological and functional perspective. Microperimetry helps to quantify retinal sensitivity in GA.