Who Is At Risk for Drusen?

Drusen are typically a result of aging and are commonly found in people age 60 and older. Caucasians are more likely to develop drusen, as well as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Soft drusen are associated with AMD. Risk factors for AMD include a family history of the disease, smoking and abnormal cholesterol levels.

The risk of developing optic nerve drusen is also increased for people who are of Caucasian descent or who have a family history of the disease.