Presence of which factor is associated with the diagnosis of neovascular AMD?

The presence of exudative changes is closely associated with the diagnosis of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Neovascular AMD, also known as wet AMD, is characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels under the retina, which can lead to leakage of fluid and exudates. This exudative process can cause significant visual distortion and loss if not treated promptly.

In contrast, while larger drusen can indicate an increased risk of progression to neovascular AMD, they are not definitive for the disease itself. Geographic atrophy, although a form of advanced AMD, refers to a different endpoint related to dry AMD and does not exhibit the features of neovascularity. Subretinal hemorrhaging can occur as a secondary effect of neovascular AMD, but the term "exudative changes" encompasses a broader range of pathological processes, including the accumulation of fluid and other material associated with the underlying neovascularization, making it the most accurate indication for the diagnosis.