Objective To summarize the development, clinical application, advantages and disadvantages, and future prospects of parathyroid autofluorescence in recent years. MethodThe literatures related to the research progress of parathyroid autofluorescence in recent years were searched, and launched a specific discussion. Results Autofluorescence of parathyroid gland was still in its infancy at home and abroad. The existing studies had shown that this technique was superior to visual recognition and could reduce the incidence of postoperative complications. Autofluorescence technology had shown some advantages in identifying parathyroid gland during operation, and its mechanism research and related equipment improvement should be focused in the future. ConclusionAutofluorescence technique is of great value in the identification of parathyroid glands in patients undergoing thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy.