Reticular Autofluorescence and Its Associated Features in the Age Related Eye Disease Study 2(AREDS2)

Abstract

 

Purpose:

 

Reticular autofluorescence( AF) has been associated with reticularpseudo-drusen and progression to advanced age-related maculardegeneration (AMD). The purpose of this study is to evaluatethe association between reticular AF and reticular pseudo- drusenfrom color photographs in AREDS2 participants.

 

Methods:

 

Color fundus photographs (3 field stereo) and correspondingAF images (HRA2 and Spectralis, Heidelberg Eng.), were evaluatedat annual visits in the AREDS2 AF ancillary study. Eyes withreticular AF detected for the first time at any visit were correlatedwith reticular pseudo-drusen on color photographs( figure 1).If reticular pseudo-drusen were absent, the image was reviewedin the blue channel of the RGB color before confirming theirabsence( figure 2). Eyes with neovascular AMD and/or poor imagequality were excluded.

 

Results:

 

Among 1892 eyes (948 subjects) with color and AF available,reticular AF were seen in 214 (11.3%) eyes (153 subjects). Ofthese, 106 (49.5%) eyes showed reticular pseudo-drusen on correspondingcolor photographs. The remaining 108 color photographs werere-evaluated in the blue channel and reticular pseudo-drusenwere seen in 45 (41.6%) eyes; 34(31.5%) eyes were ungradablein the blue channel.

 

Conclusions:

 

Reticular AF corresponds to reticular pseudo-drusen in the majorityof eyes. Both auto fluorescence and blue channel evaluationof color photographs and are sensitive modalities for imagingreticular pseudo-drusen.  

 

 

Clinical Trial:

 

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT00345176

 

Keywords: age-related macular degeneration • imaging/image analysis: clinical • drusen