Clinical application of the ocular fluorophotometer

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to discuss the literature on the clinical role of the ocular fluorophotometer in different ocular conditions. The ocular fluorophotometer measures the fluorescent compounds present in the cornea, lens, vitreous body and retinal pigment epithelium. These compounds can be present naturally, known as autofluorescent, or fluorescent after application of fluorescein either topically or systemically. The fluorophotometer measures the changes in barrier function in both corneal epithelium and endothelium. It is a quantitative method of detecting a breakdown in the blood–ocular barriers. It helps to measure the inward and outward movements of fluorescein across the blood–retinal barrier as well as blood–aqueous barrier permeability. The measurement of ocular barrier permeability by the fluorophotometer helps to improve our understanding of ocular conditions. It is also useful to assess the effect specific therapeutic approaches in some diseases and clinical research.

Keywords::

• blood–aqueous barrier
• blood–retinal barrier
• fluorescence
• fluorophotometer
• permeability

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.