In the assessment of PED, what does a larger area of drusen indicate?

A larger area of drusen is associated with a higher likelihood of choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Drusen are small yellowish deposits beneath the retina and are a key feature in the aging and degenerative processes within the eye, particularly in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). As the area of drusen increases, it indicates a higher pathological burden in the retina, which can lead to disruption in the retinal pigment epithelium and subsequent development of CNV.

This relationship stems from the fact that larger drusen can cause more significant local inflammation and changes in the retinal microenvironment, making it conducive for abnormal blood vessels to grow. Thus, when assessing the risk factors related to neovascularization in the context of age-related macular degeneration, the size and amount of drusen present play a significant role, underscoring a correlation between larger drusen and heightened risk for CNV.