RPE
Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Plain-language definition
A single cell layer behind the retina that nourishes photoreceptors and absorbs stray light. Damage to the RPE plays a role in macular degeneration.
Where this term comes up
“Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) is a non-invasive imaging technique that captures the natural fluorescence of lipofuscin and other fluorophores in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE).”
“In central serous retinopathy, also called central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR), fluid leaks under the macula through the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE).”
Condition · Central Serous Retinopathy
“Drusen are yellow deposits under the retina: made of lipids and proteins that accumulate between the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Bruch's membrane”
Finding · Drusen
- Category
- Anatomy
- Also written as
- No alternate forms listed.
Anatomy terms name the eye, orbit, optic nerve, retina, or visual pathway structures that may appear in an exam note or imaging report.
Related glossary terms
- fundus
Back of the Eye
- macula
Central Retina
- OCT
Optical Coherence Tomography
- epithelium
Surface Cell Layer
- photoreceptor
Light-Sensing Cell
- fluorescein
Yellow Eye Dye
A note on medical context
A glossary definition can explain a word, but it cannot tell you whether a symptom or test result is serious. If this term came from an article, use the full article and your clinician's guidance for context.