Hyperautofluoresenssi

Hyperautofluoresenssi refers to an increased or exaggerated autofluorescence observed in biological tissues, particularly in the eye. Autofluorescence is a natural phenomenon where certain molecules within cells emit light when exposed to excitation light. In ophthalmology, this is commonly observed in the retina, especially in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE).

Conditions that lead to hyperautofluoresenssi can indicate the accumulation of metabolic byproducts or structural changes within the RPE cells. One of the most well-known causes is the accumulation of lipofuscin, a yellowish-brown pigment composed of oxidized lipids and proteins. High levels of lipofuscin, often associated with aging and certain retinal diseases, can lead to increased autofluorescence.

Specific retinal diseases commonly associated with hyperautofluoresenssi include age-related macular degeneration (AMD), particularly the dry form, and inherited retinal dystrophies like Stargardt disease. In these conditions, impaired RPE function leads to abnormal waste accumulation and subsequent autofluorescence.

Diagnostic imaging techniques, such as fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging, are used to detect and quantify hyperautofluoresenssi. FAF provides a visual map of autofluorescence patterns in the retina, helping clinicians assess disease progression and monitor treatment response. The location, intensity, and pattern of hyperautofluoresenssi can offer valuable clues about the underlying pathology. While hyperautofluoresenssi itself is a sign and not a disease, its presence is a significant indicator of retinal dysfunction and potential disease.