Fundus autofluorescence imaging in serous and drusenoid pigment epithelial detachments associated with age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE: To investigate the fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging findings in patients with serous and drusenoid pigment epithelial detachment (PED) associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). DESIGN: Observational case series. METHODS: Fourteen eyes of 13 consecutive patients with serous (n = 10) and drusenoid (n = 4) PED were prospectively included. RESULTS: In all cases of serous vascularized (n = 7) and avascular (n = 3) PED, the FAF signal was increased, corresponding to the area of detachment. In drusenoid PED, the FAF was either increased or decreased. The decreased signal was recorded in cases associated with pigmented clumping. CONCLUSIONS: These findings are useful for a more detailed phenotyping of patients with PED associated with AMD. FAF may derive not only from lipofuscin, but also from other sources, such as sub retinal pigment epithelium fluid.