Which retinal findings are considered pathognomonic for macular degeneration?

Drusen bodies are considered pathognomonic for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), particularly dry AMD. These small yellowish-white deposits accumulate between the retinal pigment epithelium and Bruch's membrane. Their presence is a hallmark of biochemical changes occurring in the retina that can signal the onset of macular degeneration.

While other retinal findings such as exudates, hemorrhages, and retinal tears can be associated with various ocular conditions and diseases, they are not specific to macular degeneration. Exudates, for instance, are typically linked to diabetic retinopathy or hypertensive retinopathy and don't indicate the presence of AMD. Hemorrhages and retinal tears may suggest a range of disease processes, including diabetic changes or retinal detachment, rather than being specific indicators of macular degeneration. Therefore, the identification of drusen bodies in the retina specifically points towards macular degeneration, making them a definitive finding for this condition.