Final answer:
The yellowish deposits on the retina associated with age-related macular degeneration are due to the death of retinal pigment epithelial cells, causing central vision loss. While there is no cure for AMD now, stem cell therapies are being tested and may provide hope for routine treatments similar to cataract surgeries.
Step-by-step explanation:
The small, yellowish deposits that develop on the retina and are associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are a significant medical concern as they represent the most common cause of blindness in the Western hemisphere. These deposits result from the death of the retinal pigment epithelial cells, which are crucial for providing nutrients to the macula, a region of the retina essential for high visual acuity.
When these supporting cells die, the macula deteriorates, leading to a dark spot in the center of vision that expands as the condition progresses. Despite the magnitude of this health issue, affecting millions globally, there is currently no cure for AMD. Research, such as a 2016 trial involving stem cell therapy, shows promise in halting or potentially reversing vision loss. This innovative procedure involved implanting lab-grown retinal pigmented epithelial cells, suggesting a future where treatments might become as commonplace as cataract surgery.