Cellular and Molecular Pathology of Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Potential Role for Proteoglycans

Figure 3

Stages of AMD: early AMD, intermediate AMD, late dry AMD, and late wet AMD. In the normal macula the arrangement of the cells is intact, Bruch’s membrane is the normal shape and size, and all layers and tissues function correctly. In early AMD the tissue changes begin and a thickening of Bruch’s membrane occurs. In intermediate AMD drusen (yellow circles) are clearly visible and Bruch’s membrane functionality is impaired. In late AMD drusen are larger and more prominent (arrows) and cell atrophy and structural disorder occur. In wet AMD blood vessels start to grow out from the choriocapillaris and enter the macula (arrows) through Bruch’s membrane.