Where are typical hard drusen predominantly located?

Hard drusen are typically found at or just external to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) basement membrane. This location is significant as it indicates their development in the layers of the retina where they can affect the RPE's function and overall retinal health. The presence of hard drusen in this particular area correlates with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and is associated with a disruption in normal retinal processes.

Identifying the correct location of hard drusen is crucial for understanding their relationship with diseases like AMD and their impact on retinal structures. By recognizing that hard drusen reside just outside the RPE basement membrane, one can appreciate how they may interfere with the nutrient exchange and waste removal processes essential for RPE function, leading to potential visual impairment.