What risk does typical soft drusen confer?

Typical soft drusen are associated with both dry and wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). These small, yellow-white deposits accumulate beneath the retinal pigment epithelium and are considered one of the early signs of AMD.

In dry AMD, the presence of soft drusen is a risk factor as they can lead to the degeneration of retinal cells over time. As dry AMD progresses, it can potentially transition into wet AMD, which is characterized by neovascularization and the associated complications that come with abnormal blood vessel growth. The presence of soft drusen increases the likelihood of developing these more severe forms of AMD.

Therefore, recognizing the association of soft drusen with both forms of AMD is crucial for monitoring and managing patient risk effectively. Understanding this relationship helps clinicians anticipate potential disease progression and implement necessary interventions.