Methods of stabilizing and organizing collagen fibrils in extracellular matrix of retinal tissues, particularly Bruchs membranes, and stabilizing retinal pigment epithelial layers lining Bruchs membrane are disclosed. The stabilization and organization may be effected by treating retinal tissues with a protein that crosslinks and organizes collagen fibrils, such as decorin. The stabilization and organization methods include treatment of retinal tissues before, during, or after diagnosis of dry macular degeneration, diagnosis of early stages of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema to prevent, retard, or limit progression of disorganization of Bruchs membrane and disorganization of retinal pigment epithelial cells lining Bruchs membrane.
