We think you have seen the picture of 2 little boys each holding a ball that is shown without any modification and then shown with a greyish ‘blob’ obstructing their faces with the rest of the picture blurry. It was published by the NIH and is used to show what can happen in AMD. No one questioned this representation until The Macular Partnership recently created 6 new variations & showed it to 6 people…and got 6 different answers! We’d like YOU to look at these pictures to help us in…
I have drusen, does that mean I have macular degeneration?
Answers
From http://www.eyephysiciansoflongbeach.com/los-angeles/retina-center/macular-degeneration.htm
“No, not necessarily. About 50% of the population will show hard drusen and almost 100% the population above 50 will have at least one druse, but many will not develop macular degeneration. An examination by your doctor will help you better understand your risk and what to do about treatment.”
From http://www.webrn-maculardegeneration.com/macular-drusen.html
“Not necessarily. Many individuals with some drusen do not go on to develop the visual symptoms of ARMD. From a clinical standpoint, drusen must attain a threshold in numbers, size, and shape for them to become a matter of concern to ophthalmologists.” This article goes on to talk about drusen at the various stages of AMD, the difference between hard and soft drusen and can you prevent, slow down or reverse AMD.
From https://www.enhancedvision.com/low-vision-info/eye-conditions/what-are-macular-drusen.html
Article answers: what are drusen, types of drusen and questions for your doctor.