A method of reducing the risk of macular degeneration is provided. The method includes inserting an intraocular collar stent into a portion of a mammalian eye, such that the stent is in contact with soft tissue of the anterior chamber. When inserted in the eye, the stent applies pressure to a surface centered on a transition zone, between an anterior limit of a trabecular meshwork and a posterior limit of a corneal endothelium of the eye, to a surface of the peripheral iris of the eye, and in circumferentially expanding direction to the irideocorneal angle. The pressure is applied continually. The method also includes creating an environment of a reduced negative pressure state within the retina as a result of the application of the pressure; and, while the reduced negative pressure state is present, permitting drusen precursors formed by extracellular material to flow through the eye for removal by vasculature of the eye.