Correlation of fundus autofluorescence patterns in early dry age-related macular degeneration with optical coherence tomography findings

Background: Correlation of abnormal fundus autofluorescence (FAF) patterns with optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate FAF patterns in eyes with early dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and correlate these patterns with OCT findings. Settings and Design: This was an institutional, observational, cross-sectional study. Subjects and Methods: One hundred and fifty-six eyes of 102 patients with early dry AMD were recruited, FAF imaging was done for all patients with the aid of confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. In addition, OCT imaging was done for all patients. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square test was used for analysis. Results: Six FAF patterns have been identified (normal, minimal change, focal increased, linear, patchy, and reticular pattern). There was a statistically significant difference in OCT findings (drusenoid retinal pigment epithelial detachment and inner- and outer-segment junction integrity) among various FAF patterns. Conclusions: The OCT findings were statistically significant variable among different FAF patterns in eyes with early AMD suggesting a possible link between each FAF pattern and the changes which take place in retinal structure. This finding can aid in determining the visual prognosis of eyes with early AMD according to FAF pattern in large sample studies.