Age Related Macular Degeneration: Pathogenesis and ...
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Age Related Macular Degeneration: Pathogenesis and clinical findings



Photoreceptor atrophy 

-> Extracellular debris (drusen) from RPE atrophy/metabolism deposits between Bruch's membrane and RPE 

-> Drusen above Bruch's membrane reduces blood flow from choroid to retina

-> Nutrients cannot reach retina from choroid and waste products from retina cannot pass into the choroidal bed

-> Ischemia of RPE and photoreceptors

-> Break occurs in Bruch's membrane

-> Blood vessels grow from the choroidal circulation into the retina

 • Wet ARMD - Choroidal neovascularization seen on fundoscopy -> New abnormal blood vessels leak serous fluid and blood under the retina

    - Distorted central vision -> Distortion of lines (metamorphopsia) when looking at a grid of straight lines (i .e. Amsler grid)

    - Macular edema seen on fundoscopy

 • Dry ARMD - Drusen depositions; geographic atrophy of RPE -> Loss of photo receptors

    - Faded/blind spots in central vision -> Straight but faded lines when looking at a grid of straight lines (i.e. Amsler grid)

    - Asymptomatic (early disease)



#AgeRelated #MacularDegeneration #pathophysiology #ophthalmology 
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The Calgary Guide to Understanding Disease
@TheCalgaryGuide
Account created for The Calgary Guide to Understanding Disease - Linking pathophysiology to clinical presentation - http://calgaryguide.ucalgary.ca/
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