Drusen

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Pseudodrusen

Submitted by Vishnu on Wed, 2010-07-21 12:07

Pseudodrusen are small, yellow deposits made of the same material as drusen. Psuedodrusen occur in a small space, called the subretinal space, between the pigment epithelial layer and the photoreceptor layer of the retina. In advanced cases, pseudodrusen grow so large that they actually break through the photoreceptor layer, into the retina.

Drusen and Mineralization

Submitted by Vishnu on Tue, 2010-07-20 13:52

Drusen are the yellow deposits that form beneath the retina’s pigment epithelial layer. Sometimes drusen mineralize over time, as calcium, cholesterol, or other materials, lodge themselves within and around the deposits. Drusen are not normally treated or removed. However, they do sometimes unexplainably resolve themselves.

Drusen and Hyperpigmentation

Submitted by Vishnu on Tue, 2010-07-20 13:51

In some areas where drusen are present, there is an abnormal proliferation of retinal pigment epithelial cells. This is thought to be a response of the pigment epithelium to the damage that occurs because of the drusen. Sometimes the cells will form around the deposits themselves.

Drusen

Submitted by Vishnu on Tue, 2010-07-20 13:50

Small, hard, yellow protein deposits that appear under the nourishing layer of the retina called the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) are called drusen. Some small drusen are common in people as they age, even in the absence of disease. However, the presence of drusen often indicate the early stages of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). When drusen become larger, softer, and more vaguely shaped, there is a greater risk that an advanced stage of AMD will develop and vision loss will occur.

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