Prevalence and Clinical Features of Radial Fundus Autofluorescence in High Myopic Women

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of radial fundus autofluorescence (FAF) in highly myopic women. Methods: This was a retrospective, observational case study to determine the prevalence of radial FAF in the ultra-widefield FAF images in women. The clinical characteristics of these patients were evaluated. Results: Fifteen of 1935 (0.78%) highly myopic women were found to have radial FAF. Their mean age was 36.6±25.6 years, and their mean best-corrected visual acuity was 0.3±0.42 logMAR units. The mean axial length (AL) was 28.8±2.8 mm. Among the 15 cases, eight did not have pigmentary changes and 7 had pigmentary changes in the ultra-widefield FAF images. The women with the pigmentary changes were significantly older (P=0.021), had poorer BCVA (P=0.001), and had longer ALs (P=0.002). The visual fields and electroretinograms were worse in the eyes with pigmentary changes. Conclusions The prevalence of radial FAF was 0.78% in women with high myopia. These patients might have mutations in the RPGR or RP2 genes and can develop high myopia and retinitis pigmentosa. Ultra-widefield FAF images should be examined in all highly myopic patients for early detection of radial FAF, and myopia prevention and genetic counseling for possible genetic therapy are recommended.