What are drusen?

Drusen are defined as yellow deposits of extracellular materials that accumulate in the macula, an area of the retina responsible for central vision. Their presence is often associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common cause of vision loss in older adults. As drusen accumulate, they may disrupt the function of retinal cells and contribute to the progression of AMD, leading to potential vision problems. Understanding drusen is essential for recognizing conditions affecting visual acuity and the health of the macula.

Other terms in the choices refer to different ocular structures or conditions: clusters of blood vessels pertain to neovascularization, fluid-filled cysts relate to cystoid macular edema, and scar tissue in the optic nerve is associated with optic neuropathy or damage due to various causes. These concepts highlight the importance of differentiating between various eye-related conditions when diagnosing and managing retinal health.