An optical scanning spectroscopic apparatus includes a light source (14) and optics to direct light (16) into a region of interest. Means for detecting autofluorescent emissions at a plurality of detectably distinct wavelengths are also provided. A processor (12) receives data corresponding to the autofluorescence and compares the data to a control data set. The light sour ce (14) may alternately include any source of suitable light such as an arc lam p, a laser, or a pulsed laser each controlled to produce a defined wavelength. The comparison of autofluorescent emissions collected at different wavelengt hs is claimed as a means for diagnosing various retinal diseases.
RATIOMETRIC QUANTITATION OF ELICITED EYE AUTOFLUORESCENCE