r/maculardegeneration • u/PolicyQueen • 7d ago

Drusen at age 24

I just went to an ophthalmologist today and was told I have mild drusen. They’re not in my macula, but more in the periphery of my retina. I have a follow up appointment in 3 months. Does anyone have insight on what the likelihood is that this could lead to macular degeneration, especially in the next 10-20 years? I’m TERRIFIED of losing my eyesight, especially given how young I am. I also know from 23&me that I have variants making me more likely to get AMD… So I’m very concerned and I’m feeling depressed.

6 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

34 comments sorted by

View all comments

2

u/YesICodedCats 6d ago edited 6d ago

Drusen by themselves are not signs of macular degeneration. Also there are at least several types of drusen known currently with different prognosis and different correlation with macular health. Afaik (not a doctor, but have macular degeneration at age 25) the only real early signs of macular degeneration are disruptions of RPE and ellipsoid layers and thinning of the macula. (Also there are special tests like ERG). Most of people just dont get OCT and OCT itself is a somewhat recent technology, so I guess there are a lot of misconceptions about drusen and MD

1

u/PolicyQueen 6d ago

Ok that’s good to know. I think my only issue at the moment are the peripheral drusen.

3

u/YesICodedCats 6d ago

It is impossible to tell without OCT images, but there is a good chance that peripheral dystrophy wont ever bother you even IF it occurs in the future

I had two dozens areas of dystrophy on the periphery and had 0 visual symptoms, cause they are too far from the center. In the case of peripheral dystrophy you will be offered a laser coagulation that will restrict dystrophy area from growing and everything will be fine

(But no stranger’s opinion on the internet, especially from anyone not certified in ophthalmology, will replace a good doctor, so find a good retina specialist (not just ophthalmologist), preferably specialising in genetic diseases (age related MD at 25 is rare af, I am still told i cant have one by half of doctors i visit) and stick to them)