TeacherOfMedicine: Hypertensive retinopathy

MeSH disease class: Hypertension

MeSH disease class: Retinal diseases

A common degenerative condition, caused by chronic uncontrolled hypertension.

The pressure of the fluid in the circulatory system is too high.
The forces transmitted by the circulating bloodstream to the vessels are high enough to cause vascular damage.
Arterioles in the eyes become damaged and atherosclerosis develops. They thicken and shorten.
Vessels rupture and haemorrhage into the eye.
Areas of the retina become ischaemic and appear pale.

Copper wire arterioles : The arterioles appear a bright metallic orange, like copper. The central light reflex is seen across part of the width of the arteriole.
Silver wire arterioles : The arterioles appear a bright metallic white, like silver. The central light reflex is seen across the entire width of the arteriole.
Arteriovenous (AV) nicking : The venules are by compressed by arterioles, as if they are being nicked or nipped. This appears as a point of tight constriction of a vein, with bulging of the vein on both sides of the constriction.
Salus sign: At points of intersection with arterioles, the course of the venule is deflected and appears irregular. The venule is bent around the arteriole like a horseshoe bent around a stake. The course of the venule is deflected and appears irregular. This happens due to tension on the venule as the arteriole shortens.

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