Drusen: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Drusen | |||
| image = [[File:Macular_Soft_Drusen.jpg|left|thumb|Soft drusen in the macula]] | |||
| caption = Soft drusen in the macula | |||
| field = [[Ophthalmology]] | |||
| synonyms = | |||
| symptoms = [[Visual impairment]], [[blurred vision]] | |||
| complications = [[Age-related macular degeneration]] | |||
| onset = Typically in [[adulthood]] | |||
| duration = [[Chronic (medicine)|Chronic]] | |||
| causes = [[Aging]], [[genetic factors]] | |||
| risks = [[Age]], [[family history]], [[smoking]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Fundus photography]], [[optical coherence tomography]] | |||
| differential = [[Retinal detachment]], [[macular edema]] | |||
| prevention = [[Healthy diet]], [[smoking cessation]] | |||
| treatment = Monitoring, [[antioxidant]] supplements | |||
| prognosis = Variable, risk of progression to [[age-related macular degeneration]] | |||
| frequency = Common in older adults | |||
}} | |||
[[File:Macular_hard_drusen.png|Macular Hard Drusen|left|thumb]] | |||
[[File:Drusen_in_OCT.png|Drusen in OCT|left|thumb]] | |||
'''Drusen''' are tiny yellow or white deposits in a layer of the retina called Bruch's membrane. They are commonly found in individuals over the age of 60 and can be a sign of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). | '''Drusen''' are tiny yellow or white deposits in a layer of the retina called Bruch's membrane. They are commonly found in individuals over the age of 60 and can be a sign of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). | ||
==Types of Drusen== | ==Types of Drusen== | ||
There are two types of drusen: hard and soft. | There are two types of drusen: hard and soft. | ||
'''Hard drusen''' are small, round, and distinct. They are often scattered throughout the retina and are not usually associated with vision loss. | '''Hard drusen''' are small, round, and distinct. They are often scattered throughout the retina and are not usually associated with vision loss. | ||
'''Soft drusen''' are larger and cluster closer together. Their edges are not as clearly defined as hard drusen. Soft drusen are often a sign of AMD and can lead to vision loss. | '''Soft drusen''' are larger and cluster closer together. Their edges are not as clearly defined as hard drusen. Soft drusen are often a sign of AMD and can lead to vision loss. | ||
==Causes of Drusen== | ==Causes of Drusen== | ||
The exact cause of drusen is unknown, but they are thought to be a byproduct of the eye's natural aging process. They are more common in people over the age of 60, and their presence may be influenced by genetic factors. | The exact cause of drusen is unknown, but they are thought to be a byproduct of the eye's natural aging process. They are more common in people over the age of 60, and their presence may be influenced by genetic factors. | ||
==Symptoms of Drusen== | ==Symptoms of Drusen== | ||
Drusen themselves do not usually cause symptoms. However, if they lead to AMD, symptoms can include blurred or distorted vision, difficulty reading or recognizing faces, and a dark or empty area in the center of vision. | Drusen themselves do not usually cause symptoms. However, if they lead to AMD, symptoms can include blurred or distorted vision, difficulty reading or recognizing faces, and a dark or empty area in the center of vision. | ||
==Diagnosis of Drusen== | ==Diagnosis of Drusen== | ||
Drusen are diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam that includes a visual acuity test, dilated eye exam, and retinal imaging. | Drusen are diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam that includes a visual acuity test, dilated eye exam, and retinal imaging. | ||
==Treatment of Drusen== | ==Treatment of Drusen== | ||
There is currently no treatment for drusen. However, if they lead to AMD, treatments can include anti-VEGF injections, laser therapy, and photodynamic therapy. | There is currently no treatment for drusen. However, if they lead to AMD, treatments can include anti-VEGF injections, laser therapy, and photodynamic therapy. | ||
==Prevention of Drusen== | ==Prevention of Drusen== | ||
While there is no surefire way to prevent drusen, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help. This includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and not smoking. | While there is no surefire way to prevent drusen, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help. This includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and not smoking. | ||
[[Category:Eye disorders]] | [[Category:Eye disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Age-related diseases]] | [[Category:Age-related diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Retina]] | [[Category:Retina]] | ||
== See also == | |||
See also | |||
* [[Age-related macular degeneration]] | * [[Age-related macular degeneration]] | ||
* [[Retina]] | * [[Retina]] | ||
* [[Eye examination]] | * [[Eye examination]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 19:28, 5 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Drusen | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Visual impairment, blurred vision |
| Complications | Age-related macular degeneration |
| Onset | Typically in adulthood |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Aging, genetic factors |
| Risks | Age, family history, smoking |
| Diagnosis | Fundus photography, optical coherence tomography |
| Differential diagnosis | Retinal detachment, macular edema |
| Prevention | Healthy diet, smoking cessation |
| Treatment | Monitoring, antioxidant supplements |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Variable, risk of progression to age-related macular degeneration |
| Frequency | Common in older adults |
| Deaths | N/A |


Drusen are tiny yellow or white deposits in a layer of the retina called Bruch's membrane. They are commonly found in individuals over the age of 60 and can be a sign of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Types of Drusen[edit]
There are two types of drusen: hard and soft. Hard drusen are small, round, and distinct. They are often scattered throughout the retina and are not usually associated with vision loss. Soft drusen are larger and cluster closer together. Their edges are not as clearly defined as hard drusen. Soft drusen are often a sign of AMD and can lead to vision loss.
Causes of Drusen[edit]
The exact cause of drusen is unknown, but they are thought to be a byproduct of the eye's natural aging process. They are more common in people over the age of 60, and their presence may be influenced by genetic factors.
Symptoms of Drusen[edit]
Drusen themselves do not usually cause symptoms. However, if they lead to AMD, symptoms can include blurred or distorted vision, difficulty reading or recognizing faces, and a dark or empty area in the center of vision.
Diagnosis of Drusen[edit]
Drusen are diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam that includes a visual acuity test, dilated eye exam, and retinal imaging.
Treatment of Drusen[edit]
There is currently no treatment for drusen. However, if they lead to AMD, treatments can include anti-VEGF injections, laser therapy, and photodynamic therapy.
Prevention of Drusen[edit]
While there is no surefire way to prevent drusen, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help. This includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and not smoking.



