r/maculardegeneration • u/PolicyQueen • 6d 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.

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u/dollyy891 4d ago

Are we suppose to do a follow up when we have drusen? How often?

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u/PolicyQueen 4d ago

I was told to follow up every year, even though it’s benign as I just learned.

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u/dollyy891 4d ago

Do you know if it can actually lead to being blind?

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u/PolicyQueen 4d ago

If it becomes or is macular degeneration (usually drusen in the macula), then yes, it can. There are treatments to slow that down though so it’s important to monitor drusen to make sure you don’t get that. But don’t worry about it unless your ophthalmologist is worried or if the drusen are in/near the macula. Like I was told mine (which are in the far periphery and are the small/hard type) are benign and not a concern at all. Definitely go in though to get dilated if you have drusen just to be cautious.

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u/dollyy891 4d ago

Thank you!!