Abstract

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a spectrum of conditions affecting the eyes of the elderly, and is the leading cause of severe visual loss in people over 60 years of age.⁽¹⁾ Drusen, white-yellow excrescences below the retinal pigment epithelium, are associated with the development of the vision-threatening complications of age-related macular degeneration. However, drusen are seen ophthalmoscopically in over 30% of the elderly population. The vision-threatening aspects of AMD (which occur in approximately 1-3% of patients with drusen per year) include the development of a subretinal neovascular membrane and disciform scarring, retinal pigment epithelial detachment, and retinal pigment epithelial atrophy. At present, it is not possible to predict which people with drusen will go on to lose vision. Since prompt treatment of a subretinal neovascular membrane with laser photocoagulation can significantly reduce the frequency of severe visual loss,⁽²⁾ there has been increased attention focused on finding ophthalmologic or visual function changes in drusen patients which may segregate a high-risk group.

© 1987 Optical Society of America