What is the implication of confluent drusen for wet AMD?

Confluent drusen are a significant indicator in the context of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and are particularly relevant to the risk of conversion from dry AMD to wet AMD. The presence of confluent drusen, which are larger and more densely packed clusters of smaller drusen, signifies a greater severity of retinal changes associated with AMD.

Research has demonstrated that individuals with confluent drusen have an increased likelihood of developing choroidal neovascularization (CNV), which is the hallmark of wet AMD. This is due to the fact that confluent drusen are often associated with more pronounced retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) dysfunction, leading to an increased risk of neovascular growth beneath the retina.

Understanding this relationship is crucial for early detection and monitoring, as it emphasizes the need for regular eye examinations and potential intervention strategies when confluent drusen are identified. Thus, the presence of confluent drusen significantly elevates the risk of conversion to wet AMD, validating the connection established in option C.