What characteristic best describes hard drusen in relation to their color?

Hard drusen are best characterized by their more yellow color. They usually appear as small, well-defined, yellowish-white deposits beneath the retinal pigment epithelium. This distinct yellowish hue is a key feature that helps differentiate hard drusen from other retinal findings. The presence of these small yellow deposits often indicates early signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and is notable for its clear demarcation from the surrounding retinal tissue.

The clarity and yellow color of hard drusen are essential for clinicians to recognize early pathological changes in the retina. Their appearance often suggests a lower risk of progression compared to softer drusen, which are less organized in structure and more likely to indicate advanced retinal disease.