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Fundus autofluorescence in age-related macular degeneration
Focal increased pattern is defined by the presence of at
least one well defined spot (<200 micron diameter) of
markedly increased FAF much brighter than the sur
rounding background fluorescence. These areas may or
may not correspond to large, soft drusen and to areas of
hyperpigmentation.
Patchy pattern
characterized by the presence of at least
one large area with well defined borders (>200 micron
diameter) of markedly increased FAF. Again, these areas
may or may not correspond to large, soft drusen and
areas of hyperpigmentation.
Linear pattern
defined by the presence of at least one
linear area of markedly increased FAF with well defined
borders. Linear structures of increased FAF usually cor
respond to hyperpigmented lines.
Lacelike pattern
This pattern shows multiple branching
lines of increased FAF forming a lacelike pattern. The
borders may be hard to define, and FAF may gradually
decrease from the centre of the linear area towards the
surrounding background. This pattern may correspond
to hyperpigmentation or to non visible abnormalities.
Reticular pattern
is defined by the presence of mul-
tiple small, ill defined areas (<200 micron diameter) of
decreased FAF. This pattern has been found to occur not
only in the macular area, and may be associated with
multiple small soft drusen, hard drusen or areas with pig
ment changes or non visible abnormalities.
Speckled pattern
is characterized by the simultaneous
presence of different types of abnormalities in a large
area. The changes reach beyond the macular area and
may cover the entire posterior fundus. These abnormali
ties include multiple small areas of irregular increased
or decreased FAF corresponding to hyper and hypopig
mented areas and multiple subconfluent and confluent
Figure 6 - Drusen in a patient with early bilateral AMD. (A) Right eye colour fundus photograph and (B) fundus autofluorescence. (C)
Left eye colour fundus photograph and (D) fundus autofluorescence.
A
B
C
D
