Which form of AMD is characterized by the presence of drusen?

Dry AMD is indeed characterized by the presence of drusen, which are small yellow or white spots that develop under the retina. These deposits are composed of lipid-rich proteins and are often an early indicator of age-related macular degeneration. In dry AMD, the accumulation of drusen can lead to gradual vision loss as the condition progresses.

Drusen are associated with the atrophic changes occurring in the retinal pigment epithelium, which is essential for the health of photoreceptors in the retina. Most individuals with dry AMD may not experience significant vision loss initially, but as the disease advances and drusen increase in size and number, there is a higher risk of developing geographic atrophy, which can severely affect vision.

Understanding the role of drusen in the pathology of dry AMD can help in monitoring and management of the condition, as well as in distinguishing it from other forms of macular degeneration such as wet AMD, which involves neovascularization and is not primarily defined by the presence of drusen.