What's Happening?
A study has evaluated the presence of hyperreflective dots (HRD) in the outer nuclear layer of the retina in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Using high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT), researchers identified
HRD as potential indicators of retinal microglia activity. The study involved 38 eyes from 38 patients, revealing a higher density of HRD in areas with subretinal fluid and neovascularisation. The findings suggest that HRD may be linked to the presence of subretinal fluid, although their presence in areas without fluid indicates other factors may contribute to their formation.
Why It's Important?
Understanding the role of HRD in nAMD could enhance diagnostic and treatment strategies for this common cause of vision loss in older adults. The presence of HRD as markers of retinal microglia activity could provide insights into the inflammatory processes involved in nAMD. This research may lead to improved imaging techniques and targeted therapies, potentially slowing disease progression and preserving vision. The study highlights the importance of advanced imaging technologies in understanding complex retinal diseases.
