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Basal laminar deposit in the aging peripheral human retina
T L van der Schaft1, W C de Bruijn, C M Mooy
1Institute of Ophthalmology, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Summary
Basal laminar deposits (BLD), an early sign of age-related macular degeneration, were found in the peripheral retina. These deposits share ultrastructural similarities with those found in the macula.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Basal laminar deposits (BLD) in the macula are an early indicator of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
- The precise pathogenesis of AMD and the origin of BLD remain unclear.
- Similar deposits have been observed in the peripheral retina, adjacent to the retinal pigment epithelium and Bruch's membrane.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ultrastructure of peripheral sub-retinal pigment epithelium (sub-RPE) deposits.
- To compare the ultrastructure of peripheral deposits with macular BLD.
- To elucidate the potential origin and significance of peripheral BLD-like deposits.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy was used to examine retinal tissue from ten human eyes.
- Focus was on equatorial and peripheral regions exhibiting BLD-like deposits.
- Ultrastructural analysis characterized the composition and morphology of the deposits.
Main Results:
- Eight out of ten eyes showed peripheral sub-RPE deposits with an amorphous, finely granular ultrastructure.
- Five of these deposits contained small amounts of long-spacing collagen.
- Two eyes presented deposits resembling flat, elongated drusen, distinct from typical BLD.
Conclusions:
- Peripheral sub-RPE deposits can exhibit ultrastructural characteristics similar to early macular BLD.
- These findings suggest that BLD formation is not exclusive to the macula.
- The presence of BLD-like deposits in the periphery may offer insights into AMD pathogenesis.