Cigarette Smoke–Related Oxidants and the Development of Sub-RPE Deposits in an Experimental Animal Model of Dry AMD

Abstract

Exposure to cigarette smoke or the smoke-related redox molecule, HQ, results in the formation of sub-RPE deposits, thickening of Bruch's membrane, and accumulation of deposits within Bruch's membrane. Smoke-related oxidants may be another oxidative injury stimulus to the choriocapillaris and RPE, and may explain the association between cigarette smoking and early AMD.