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Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) is a special test typically available only at major academic eye hospitals. With certain conditions, thinning and loss of retinal tissue over time or the build-up of abnormal metabolic by-products underneath the retina can produce alterations in a naturally-occurring fluorescent signal from the back of the eye. This signal can be captured and photographed using special filters without the use of dyes or injections. Dry macular degeneration is a form of age-related macular degeneration for which there is currently no available treatment. A great deal of cutting-edge research is now focusing on unlocking the mysteries of dry macular degeneration with the hope of someday offering an effective therapy to people who suffer from this disease. FAF technology can be used to image and map areas of dry macular degeneration over time, and is being used increasingly to help our understanding and monitoring of this condition.
FAF is rapid, painless, and non-invasive. After dilation, you will be seated comfortably and instructed to place your chin in a chin-rest on the machine. You will then be instructed to look at a target while our skilled photographer takes digital photographs using the necessary filters. The entire process takes only a few minutes. Your doctor will review the results with you in the examination room.
