Drusen Eye Problem in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Drusen are fatty deposits located under the retina and look like small yellow specks. They are made of cellular debris, minerals including calcium, and lipids. As you age, a few drusen typically form in the eye. A drusen eye problem occurs when a buildup of multiple drusen is present.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Macular Degeneration Reading Drusen Eye Problem in Age-Related Macular Degeneration 2 minutes Next Rhodopsin and Retinal Physiology

By Dr. Paul KrawitzApr 18, 2021

Learning about drusen, one of the common retina findings in macular degeneration, can help you understand this eye condition.

What are drusen?
Drusen are fatty deposits located under the retina and look like small yellow specks. They are made of cellular debris, minerals including calcium, and lipids. As you age, a few drusen typically form in the eye. A drusen eye problem occurs when a buildup of multiple drusen is present.

Types of Drusen
There are two types of drusen buildup in the retina: hard and soft. Hard drusen usually don’t present a problem and exist as small deposits in the eye. Soft drusen are larger than hard drusen and can raise the retinal pigment epithelium and Bruch’s Membrane. This can be one of the leading indicators of age related macular degeneration.

appearance of drusen in retina

Are drusen permanent?
Drusen are usually stable or increase in number and size. Less frequently, drusen have been known to suddenly disappear from the eye, as seen below.

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