Which type of drusen increases the chances of developing both dry and wet AMD?

Soft drusen are known to be associated with an increased risk of developing both dry and wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). These types of drusen are larger and have a different composition compared to hard drusen, which may contribute to their potential for progression in AMD.

Soft drusen can be indicators of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) dysfunction and may lead to more significant changes in the retina over time. The presence of soft drusen often signifies an increased risk of the atrophic form of AMD (dry AMD) as well as the neovascular form (wet AMD). Their accumulation can lead to greater structural changes in the retinal layers, creating a more favorable environment for the development of choroidal neovascularization (CNV), which is characteristic of wet AMD.

In contrast, other types of drusen, such as hard drusen, are generally smaller and have less impact on the progression to AMD. Confluent drusen, while also associated with AMD, are often a progression of soft drusen and may indicate a more severe risk but specifically refer to a grouping of soft drusen. Understanding the relationship between these ocular findings and the risk of AMD is crucial for monitoring and managing patients at risk for developing these retinal conditions