Ask about Macular Drusen at Your Next Eye Appointment

Have you ever been told by your eye specialist that drusen or macular drusen were detected during your eye exam?

Have you ever asked your eye doctor if they saw or found drusen?

Have you ever asked if there has been a change in the number, size and type of drusen seen during your eye exam?

If not, these are good questions to bring with you at your next eye appointment.

Why is it important to know if your eyes have developed drusen and if so how many and what kind? There are two main types of drusen in the eye - macular drusen and optic nerve drusen. They are two very different conditions.

Macular drusen can be one of the first symptoms of age related macular degeneration (AMD). They are small, yellow deposits of lipid (a fatty compound) and calcium that build up in the Bruch's membrane of the eye. Bruch's membrane is a layer of tissue underneath the retina.

They are often found in those 60 and older.

These small deposits can be seen by your eye care professional during a dilated eye exam. This is what they look like.

There are two main types:

1. Hard Drusen

This type of deposit is the less harmful form. They are characterized by a round shape with distinct, well defined borders and are quite small.

2. Soft Drusen

Soft drusen are considered to be an early indicator of macular degeneration, although some people with this type do not develop macular degeneration. They are characterized by a pale yellow color with ill-defined borders. Although they vary in shape and size they are larger than the hard form.

If you have a family history of macular degeneration it is especially important to know if you are forming these deposits.

Once they have been detected in your eye exam, it is time to take note and make some changes in your diet and lifestyle.

To learn more about macular drusen and the role they play in the three stages of macular degeneration - early, intermediate and advanced click here:

Macular Drusen

Thanks so much for subscribing to Macular Degeneration News.

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

Better Health for Better Vision