[Fundus autofluorescence examination using a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope HRA (Heidelberg Retina Angiograph)].

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.

Classification of fundus autofluorescence patterns in early age-related macular disease.

Purpose: To describe and classify patterns of abnormal fundus autofluorescence (FAF) in eyes with early nonexudative age-related macular disease (AMD).

Methods: FAF images were recorded in eyes with early AMD by confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (cSLO) with excitation at 488 nm (argon or OPSL laser) and emission above 500 or 521 nm (barrier filter). A standardized protocol for image acquisition and generation of mean images after automated alignment was applied, and routine fundus photographs were obtained.

Digital simultaneous fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography, autofluorescence, and red-free imaging with a solid-state laser-based confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope.

Purpose: To describe and to evaluate a novel confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope (cSLO) for fluorescence angiography, fundus autofluorescence (FAF), and red-free imaging.

Methods: Digital infrared, red-free, FAF, fluorescein, and indocyanine green (ICG) angiography images were obtained with a cSLO in 766 patients. An optically pumped solid-state laser generates the excitation wavelength (488 nm) required for red-free, FAF, and fluorescein angiography images.

Fundus autofluorescence and fundus perimetry in the junctional zone of geographic atrophy in patients with age-related macular degeneration.

Purpose: To investigate retinal sensitivity in the junctional zone of geographic atrophy (GA), with variations in fundus autofluorescence (FAF) in patients with advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods: The spatial distribution and intensity of FAF were recorded with a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO). Eyes had normal background FAF (group 1) or increased FAF (group 2) surrounding the atrophic patches.

Keypathophysiologic pathways in age-related macular disease.

Purpose: To review current knowledge of key pathogenetic pathways in age-related macular disease (AMD).

Methods: Experimental evidence and clinical observations are reviewed.

Results: A number of common downstream pathophysiologic pathways appear to be relevant in AMD manifestations irrespective of primary heterogeneous etiologies.

Visualization of retinal pigment epithelial cells in vivo using digital high-resolution confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy.

Purpose: To visualize retinal pigment epithelial cells in vivo by fundus autofluorescence imaging using a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope.

Design: Experimental study and observational case report.

Methods: Digital in vivo autofluorescence images were recorded with a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope (excitation, 488 nm; emission, >500 nm) and compared with confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope and fluorescence microscopic recordings from human donor eyes.