PURPOSE: To present application of a confocal Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope (cSLO) for fundus autofluorescence examination, as a new method of visualization of retinal pigment epithelium and its possible significance in the diagnosis of different retinal diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Typical autofluorescence images in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Stargardt disease, Best disease and pattern dystrophies are presented, based on the own experience and literature data. Autofluorescence images were obtained with a cSLO using an argon laser for generation of excitation light at 488 nm and a barrier filter >500 nm for the detection of the emitted signals. RESULTS: A variety of autofluorescence patterns, associated with the accumulation of lipofuscin in RPE cells, was found in the above entities. CONCLUSIONS: Presented method of fundus autofluorescence examination gives new possibilities in studying the pathogenetic mechanisms in various retinal diseases and may be useful in monitoring the follow-up and the effects of the treatment.
PURPOSE: To present application of a confocal Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope (cSLO) for fundus autofluorescence examination, as a new method of visualization of retinal pigment epithelium and its possible significance in the diagnosis of different retinal diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Typical autofluorescence images in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Stargardt disease, Best disease and pattern dystrophies are presented, based on the own experience and literature data. Autofluorescence images were obtained with a cSLO using an argon laser for generation of excitation light at 488 nm and a barrier filter >500 nm for the detection of the emitted signals. RESULTS: A variety of autofluorescence patterns, associated with the accumulation of lipofuscin in RPE cells, was found in the above entities. CONCLUSIONS: Presented method of fundus autofluorescence examination gives new possibilities in studying the pathogenetic mechanisms in various retinal diseases and may be useful in monitoring the follow-up and the effects of the treatment.