J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  1989 Apr;30(2):235-242.

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Human Drusen

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Abstract

Drusen are small, yellowish deposits that form under the retinal pigment epithe lium with senescence or under certain pathological conditions. The present study examined these structures under the scanning electron microscope. Tissue came from the eyes of four donors, who were 22, 56, 60 and 61 years of age and who demonstrated widespread drusen of the posterior fundus. which was noted on postmortem examination. Specimens were prepared by detaching the retinal pig ment epithelium from Bruch's membrane and freeze fracturing the tissue. Drusen appeared as follows: 1. Distinct spherical masse, 10 X 9 um and 9 X 7 um in size, were situated between basement membrane of the retinal pigment epithelium and Bruch's membrane. The surface of the spherical masses were smooth. 2. Indistinct globular dome-like masses, with a harsh surface, were situated bet ween basement membrane of the retinal pigment epithelium and Bruch's membrane. These masses varied greatly in size. 3. Localized of dispersed small granular deposits of the inner collagen layer of Bruch's membrane were noted.


MeSH Terms

Aging
Autopsy
Basement Membrane
Bruch Membrane
Collagen
Epithelium
Freeze Fracturing
Humans*
Microscopy, Electron, Scanning*
Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Retinaldehyde
Tissue Donors
Collagen
Retinaldehyde
Full Text Links
  • JKOS
Actions
Cited
CITED
export Copy
Close
Share
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
Similar articles
Copyright © 2024 by Korean Association of Medical Journal Editors. All rights reserved.     E-mail: koreamed@kamje.or.kr