**6. Fundus autofluorescence**

Short-wavelength FAF derives its signal mainly from lipofuscin in the RPE. Long wavelength autofluorescence or near-infrared FAF derives its signal from melanin, which is present in RPE and choroid. Intraretinal cysts in DME unmask the underlying RPE by displacing the luteal pigment in the fovea and this prevents the normal blockage of foveal FAF signal. Granular and patchy hyper- and hypo-autoflurescent lesions in the parafoveolar area have been described and correlated with foveolar cystoid spaces in DME patients. Larger area of hyper-autofluorescence in eyes with higher number of hyperreflective foci and presence of subfoveal neuroretinal detachment may indicate a prevalent inflammatory condition in DME with specific response to steroidal treatment [17, 18].
