ABO Ophthalmology Complete Practice Exam 2025

A cotton wool spot is characterized as fluffy white patches on the retina. These spots are small areas of localized retinal swelling caused by the accumulation of axoplasmic material in the nerve fiber layer of the retina. They often indicate underlying conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, which can lead to retinal ischemia.

Cotton wool spots typically appear as soft, white lesions that have an indistinct border, resembling cotton-like fluff. This unique appearance is due to the way they scatter light, and they can often be seen during a fundoscopic examination of the retina.

The other options describe different retinal findings or conditions. A red and inflamed area would indicate inflammation or hemorrhage, dark spots would suggest other pathological changes like necrosis, and a clear area surrounding a hemorrhage does not accurately depict cotton wool spots. Thus, the identification of these fluffy white patches is essential for recognizing their significance in relation to other retinal conditions.