ABSTRACT
Autofluorescence (AF) is the intrinsic fluorescence
emitted by a substance after being stimulated by
excitation energy. Ocular structures that autofluoresce
include the corneal epithelium and endothelium,
lens, macular and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)
pigments, optic nerve drusen and RPE deposits in
Best’s disease. The AF emitted by macular pigments
is in the 520 to 800 nm range with peak emission at 590
to 630 nm. Clinically, AF of macular pigments can be
produced in vivo by an exciting light source with a
wavelength between 400 and 590 nm with peak
excitation occurring between 490 and 510 nm (1).
This can be achieved with a modified fundus camera
or scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO).
