Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss worldwide, driven by complex interactions within the photoreceptor–retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)–choroid unit. Understanding these processes requires integrating in vivo imaging with histopathological evidence, as each provides complementary insights into disease mechanisms. Historically, landmark discoveries—including the characterization of drusen, RPE alterations, and the introduction of optical coherence tomography (OCT)—have led to major paradigm shifts in the diagnosis and management of AMD. Recent advances in multimodal imaging, particularly OCT and OCT angiography (OCTA), have enabled high-resolution, non-invasive visualization of structural and vascular changes, facilitating the identification of clinically relevant biomarkers. When interpreted in the context of histology, these imaging findings have significantly advanced our understanding of AMD pathogenesis, revealing dynamic interactions between neuronal degeneration, outer retinal dysfunction, and vascular impairment. In this review, we synthesize key imaging features of AMD alongside their histopathological correlates, highlighting how this integrative approach has refined disease classification, improved prognostic assessment, and informed therapeutic strategies. We further discuss emerging imaging technologies and their potential to bridge the gap between tissue-level pathology and clinical practice. By linking historical insights with contemporary advances, this review provides a comprehensive framework for understanding AMD and its management.
Tracing the journey from histology to imaging: Exploring the retina and choroid in age-related macular degeneration
Borrelli, Enrico
;Reibaldi, Michele;
2026-01-01
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss worldwide, driven by complex interactions within the photoreceptor–retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)–choroid unit. Understanding these processes requires integrating in vivo imaging with histopathological evidence, as each provides complementary insights into disease mechanisms. Historically, landmark discoveries—including the characterization of drusen, RPE alterations, and the introduction of optical coherence tomography (OCT)—have led to major paradigm shifts in the diagnosis and management of AMD. Recent advances in multimodal imaging, particularly OCT and OCT angiography (OCTA), have enabled high-resolution, non-invasive visualization of structural and vascular changes, facilitating the identification of clinically relevant biomarkers. When interpreted in the context of histology, these imaging findings have significantly advanced our understanding of AMD pathogenesis, revealing dynamic interactions between neuronal degeneration, outer retinal dysfunction, and vascular impairment. In this review, we synthesize key imaging features of AMD alongside their histopathological correlates, highlighting how this integrative approach has refined disease classification, improved prognostic assessment, and informed therapeutic strategies. We further discuss emerging imaging technologies and their potential to bridge the gap between tissue-level pathology and clinical practice. By linking historical insights with contemporary advances, this review provides a comprehensive framework for understanding AMD and its management.
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