Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Two basic forms: dry (more benign) and wet (more significant regarding potential for vision loss)

Patients who are predisposed have significant drusen (lipid-protein) deposits under the retina (dry with drusen): 

Thinning of the retina can occur in areas that were involved in drusen formation (dry with atrophy):

In some individuals, AMD can be associated with leaking new blood vessels under the retina (wet AMD):

 

 

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

AMD can be assessed with OCT: compare the normal retinal OCT image on the top with the individual with wet AMD on the bottom, which shows fluid (dark areas) and debris (lighter area) below the retina contour.

Fluorescein Angiography

AMD can be assessed with fluorescein angiography:

dye injected intravenously highlights areas of leaking new vessels (white area above).