Question

A 70-year-old man has had decreasing visual acuity in both eyes for the past 4 years. The center of his visual fields is most affected. Funduscopic examination reveals discrete thickenings called drusen in the retina, but no exudates, and there is atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium. The sclerae and corneas are clear. The intraocular pressure is normal. His Hgb A1C is 4%. Which of the following conditions is he most likely to have?​

Answer 1

Answer:

Macular degeneration

Explanation:

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the most common cause of decreased vision in older persons. The macula is the area of greatest visual acuity and represents the center of the visual field. With aging, the macula degenerates. The initial result is decreased visual acuity, and possible blindness with progression. The more advanced and severe 'wet' form of ARMD has more findings, such as drusen, while the 'dry' form is harder to diagnose earlier in the course.