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Table 1 Characteristics of AMD Clinical Subtypes (based on AREDS)

From: AMD and the alternative complement pathway: genetics and functional implications

  

AMD Subtype

 

Early

Intermediate

Advanced Dry/Geographic Atrophy

Advanced Neovascular/Exudative/Wet

Clinical Features

Drusen

Few small (<63 μm) or medium sized (63–124 μm)

Numerous medium (63–124 μm) + at least 1 large (>125 μm) sized

Extensive medium (63–124 μm) + large (>125 μm) sized

Extensive medium (63–124 μm) + large (>125 μm) sized

Bruch’s membrane

Thickening

Thickening

Thickening

Thickening

Retinal pigment epithelium

Pigmentary abnormalities

Pigmentary abnormalities; atrophy excluding fovea

Atrophy including fovea/macula

Detachment

Choroid/choriocapillaris

Decreased vascular density

Decreased vascular density

Atrophy

Choroidal neovascularization; hemorrhage; leak fluid

Neural retina

None

Photoreceptor thinning above drusen

Photoreceptor cell death

Photoreceptor detachment and cell death

Impairment/outcome

Mild visual impairment (blurred vision or decreased contrast sensitivity) or asymptomatic

Mild visual impairment (blurred spots in central vision or decreased contrast sensitivity) or asymptomatic

Blurred central vision; gradual vision loss

Sudden/profound vision loss