As these cells break down and release their pigment, dark clumps of released pigment and later, areas that are less pigmented may appear
Exudative changes: hemorrhages in the eye, hard exudates, subretinal/sub-RPE/intraretinal fluid
Drusen, tiny accumulations of extracellular material that build up on the retina. While there is a tendency for drusen to be blamed for the progressive loss of vision, drusen deposits can be present in the retina without vision loss. Some patients with large deposits of drusen have normal visual acuity. If normal retinal reception and image transmission are sometimes possible in a retina when high concentrations of drusen are present, then, even if drusen can be implicated in the loss of visual function, there must be at least one other factor that accounts for the loss of vision. Prevention
A 2017 Cochrane review found the use of vitamin and mineral supplements, alone or in combination, by the general population did not affect whether or not AMD started.Refraining from smoking, including fish in the diet and maintaining a healthy weight can prevent AMDThere appears to be a preventive effect of oral L-DOPA against AMD. Several reviews  refer to a 2016 retrospective medical records study of 87,000,000 unique individuals by Brilliant et al. In this study those who were on, or had been on, L-DOPA oral medicine for movement disorders (Parkinson’s Disease, etc.) were significantly less likely to develop AMD compared to those not on L-DOPA.
Antioxidant vitamins and minerals do not appear to be useful for prevention. However, dietary supplements may slow the progression in those who already have the disease.Age-related macular degeneration is a main cause of central blindness among the working-aged population worldwide. As of 2020, it affects more than 190 million people globally with the prevalence expected to increase to 288 million people by 2040 as the proportion of elderly persons in the population increases. It is equally seen in males and females and it is more common in those of European or North American ancestry. In 2013, it was the fourth most common cause of blindness after cataracts, preterm birth, and glaucoma. It most commonly occurs in people over the age of fifty and in the United States is the most common cause of vision loss in this age group. About 0.4% of people between 50 and 60 have the disease, while it occurs in 0.7% of people 60 to 70, 2.3% of those 70 to 80, and nearly 12% of people over 80 years old. Signs and symptoms
Early or intermediate AMD may be asymptomatic, or it may present with blurred or decreased vision in one or both eyes. This may manifest initially as difficulty with reading or driving (especially in poorly lit areas).