3
Diagnosis
Table 2. Classification of AMD from the AREDS
a
AREDS
Category
Classification
1 No AMD No or few small drusen (<63 μm in diameter)
2 Early AMD A combination of multiple small drusen, few intermediate
drusen (63–124 μm in diameter), or mild RPE
abnormalities
3 Intermediate
AMD
Any of the following features:
• Numerous intermediate drusen
• At least one large druse (≥125 μm in diameter)
• Geographic atrophy (a sharply demarcated, usually
round or oval, area of atrophy of the RPE not involving
the center of the fovea)
4 Advanced
AMD
One or more of the following (in the absence of other
causes) in one eye:
• Geographic atrophy of the RPE involving the foveal
center
• Neovascular maculopathy that includes the following :
▶ Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) defined
as pathologic angiogenesis originating from the
choroidal vasculature that extends through a defect
in Bruch's membrane
▶ Serous and/or hemorrhagic detachment of the
neurosensory retina or RPE
▶ Retinal hard exudates (a secondary phenomenon
resulting from chronic intravascular leakage)
▶ Subretinal and sub-RPE fibrovascular proliferation
▶ Disciform scar (subretinal fibrosis)
a
ere are a number of classifications of AMD in the literature. e AMD Preferred Practice
Pattern uses the AREDS classification and a more recent clinical classification to define the early
and intermediate stages of AMD since current treatment recommendations are based on these
classifications.
AMD, age-related macular degeneration; AREDS, Age-Related Eye Disease Study; CNV, choroidal
neovascularization; RPE, retinal pigment epithelium
