arteriosclerotic retinopathy

Last reviewed 01/2018

The changes seen in arteriosclerotic retinopathy are due to fibrosis and hyalinisation. An important indicator is the change in arteriovenous crossing. It's presence in systemic hypertension suggests that the hypertension is of long standing. Mild arteriovenous crossing may be seen in normotensive diabetics or with involutional sclerosis.

Changes in the arteriolar light reflex occur from sclerosis of the vessels, and are indicative of it's extent. Focal irregularities of the blood vessels are best seen in red - free light.