Lessons talk by imaging about atrophy in retinal disease: Fundus autofluorescence

Fundus autofluorescence (AF) and near-infrared autofluorescence (NIA) have been used for many years to assess clinically, in a non-invasive manner, the status of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Their value in the evaluation of patients with posterior segment disorders has expanded; both are currently used in ophthalmic clinics throughout the world for the assessment of patients with degenerative, inflammatory and neoplastic disorders, among others. This talk will provide an overview on how AF and NIA have contributed to the characterisation of atrophy in retinal diseases, from lessons learnt using these imaging technologies on the understanding of mechanisms underlying this pathology, to identification of people at risk of visual loss as well as providing enhanced disease phenotyping and assessment of potential, unwanted, treatment effects. Recent advances, such as wide angle autofluorescence imaging, will likely contribute furthering the understanding of atrophy in retinal disease.