Morphofunctional retinal pigment epithelium changes in normal eye and age-related macular degeneration

Relevance. The retinal pigment epithelium performs a number of highly specialized functions. The relevance of studying morphological changes in the pigment epithelium is associated with an increased number of patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), polypoid choroidal vasculopathy, central serous retinopathy and retinitis pigmentosa. The increase in the number of patients with these pathologies is associated both with the general trend of aging of the world's population and with modern opportunities for mass diagnostics. Pathomorphological changes in the pigment layer are an important indicator of the development of AMD. Purpose. To analyze features of retinal pigment epithelium in normal and pathological conditions. Material and methods. The literature review was carried out using PubMed and Sochape Library. Results. Several authors present data about the complication of retinal detachment with development of the retinal pigment epithelium tear. The key criterion for tear treatment is the height of the pigment layer detachment. Violation of the integrity of the pigment layer in the long term is a factor in decrease or complete loss of vision. This is especially characteristic when a tear is formed in the central area of the retina. Also, visual impairment is observed in cases of submacular hemorrhage and fibrous scar formation. Conclusion. An important point, at present, is guidelines development for patients with pigment epithelium tears, it will allow to manage this condition on the background of concomitant disease. Key words: retinal pigment epithelium, age-related macular degeneration, pigment epithelium tear