How can soft drusen be described in appearance?

Soft drusen are characterized by their poorly demarcated and fluffy appearance. They typically present as larger, yellowish-white or yellow deposits located beneath the retinal pigment epithelium. The "fluffy" nature refers to their soft edges, which blend into the surrounding retinal tissue, making them less distinct compared to hard drusen. This subtle merging with the retina contrasts with hard drusen, which are smaller and have well-defined borders.

The presence of soft drusen is often associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and signifies an accumulation of metabolic debris, which can impact the health of the retina. Understanding this aspect of soft drusen is essential for healthcare professionals in identifying and managing conditions like AMD.