Infrared reflectance in choroidal melanomas and its correlation with fundus autofluorescence
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo, Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Professor J S Pulido, Department of Ophthalmology, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; pulido.jose{at}mayo.edu
- Accepted 22 June 2008
Choroidal melanoma is the most common primary malignant intraocular tumour, with a 50% mortality after 10 years.1 There is considerable evidence that most uveal melanomas arise from pre-existing melanocytic nevi. Orange pigment (lipofuscin) is one of the risk factors for malignancy of a choroidal melanocytic lesion. Since the risk of tumour growth depends on the number of risk factors present,2 it is important to accurately determine the presence or absence of each of these.
The greater penetration of infrared light compared with visible wavelengths permits better visualisation of subretinal structures.3 4
We have previously shown that fundus autofluorescence (FAF) improves visualisation of lipofuscin (orange pigment) and subretinal fluid in pigmented choroidal melanomas in comparison with conventional fundus photography.5 6 …
