Do hard drusen necessarily confer a risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?

Hard drusen are small, well-defined yellowish-white deposits located between the retina and the retinal pigment epithelium. While the presence of hard drusen can be associated with an increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), they do not necessarily indicate that someone will progress to AMD. The relationship between hard drusen and the risk of AMD is complex and influenced by various factors, including additional biomarkers, genetics, and the presence of other forms of drusen.

Individuals with hard drusen can remain stable for years without developing significant macular degeneration, which highlights the point that while there is a correlation, it is not a definitive predictor. This understanding is crucial for practitioners who monitor patients for AMD, as not all patients with hard drusen will transition to advanced forms of the disease. Hence, stating that hard drusen do not necessarily confer a risk aligns with the current understanding that not all patients with these deposits will experience progression to AMD.