Does soft drusen increase the risk of dry AMD?

The correct answer is that soft drusen do indeed increase the risk of developing dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and also heighten the risk of progression to the more severe form known as wet AMD. Soft drusen are yellowish-white deposits that form within the retina, and their presence is one of the early signs of AMD. Research has demonstrated that individuals with soft drusen have a higher likelihood of developing dry AMD due to the associated retinal damage and the inflammatory processes they can trigger.

Moreover, the presence of soft drusen is a risk factor for transitioning from dry AMD to wet AMD, which is characterized by choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and can lead to significant vision loss. The mechanisms involve the potential for soft drusen to disrupt the retinal pigment epithelium, leading to further degeneration of retinal structures and increased vascular leakage.

In summary, soft drusen play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of AMD, both in its initial stages and progression, which makes the first choice the most accurate response.