Abstract: Objective To assess the value of autofluorescence photography in diagnosis and treatment of macular dystrophy by observing the characteristics of autofluorescence in such diseases. Methods Thirteen cases of macular dystrophy were enrolled, of whom 8 were male, and 5 were female. The routine clinical examinations included present history, family history, visual test, slitlamp examination, indirect funduscopy, color fundus image, fundus autofluorescence angiography(FFA) and autofluorescence photography. Some of the patients also did the examinations of electroretinogram(ERG), electro-oculogram(EOG) and ocular coherence tomography(OCT). By comparing the color fundus images, the FFA images with the autofluorescence images, we summarized the characteristics of autofluorescence in macular dystrophy. Results The central region of the disease presented hypo-autofluorescence(488 nm) corresponding to the disease region of color fundus image and FFA image. There were hyperfluorescence circles with different width around the central region in 7 cases, which may represent disease progression. We could see extensive hyper-autofluorescence out of the macula in 2 patients who denied night blindness. ERG showed serious cone dysfunction and small rod dysfunction, which may represent the early stage of cone-rod dystrophy. The disease image could also be seen by infrared autofluorescence(820 nm). Conclusion During the observation of macular dystrophy, correct interpretation of autofluorescence images can help to obtain many disease-related information. Autofluorescence photography can reflect the tissue metabolic activity, which becomes it's unique superiority in observing such disease. As a non-invasive examination, autofluorescence photography can be accepted more easily by follow-up patients, which is useful in clinic to some extent.

Key words: autofluorescence, macular dystrophy, genetic