ABO Ophthalmology Complete Practice Exam 2025

Hypertensive retinopathy is a condition specifically associated with elevated blood pressure. This type of retinopathy involves changes in the retina that occur when the blood vessels are damaged due to chronic hypertension. The changes can include narrowing of the arterioles, retinal hemorrhages, exudates, and cotton wool spots, which are all indicative of the vascular damage caused by high blood pressure.

The understanding of hypertensive retinopathy is crucial as it can serve as an important marker for other systemic issues related to chronic hypertension, including potential complications such as stroke or heart disease. Regular eye exams are essential for early detection and management of this condition, helping to mitigate the risk of vision loss and other health complications associated with hypertension.

While diabetic retinopathy is linked to diabetes, age-related macular degeneration primarily affects older adults regardless of blood pressure, and retinal vein occlusion is related to venous obstruction rather than hypertension. Therefore, none of the other listed conditions directly pertain to the effects of high blood pressure on the retina in the way hypertensive retinopathy does.