When the blood pressure becomes high the retina may be damaged. This damages the small blood vessels in the retina making the walls of the blood vessel to thicken. This decrease the amount of blood which can flow in to them.

Symptoms of hypertensive retinopathy

• Decreased vision
• Gradual loss of vision

• Headaches

Signs of hypertensive retinopathy

Narrowing of the small blood vessel is seen. According to this it is graded in to 4 grades

• Grade I: 3/4 of normal caliber, in this there is minimal narrowing of the blood vessels of retina.
• Grade II: 1/2 normal calibers. Narrowing of the retinal arteries with focal narrowing and arterio venous nicking is seen
• Grade III: 1/3 normal caliber. Along with the above changes there will be retinal hemorrhages, hard exudation and cotton-wool spots are seen.
• Grade IV: Thread like or invisible blood vessels. All the above findings with swelling of optic nerve head is seen

Other signs seen in hypertensive retinopathy

• Arteriovenous crossings
• Copper wire arterioles
• Silver wire arterioles
• Cotton wool spots

• Flame shaped hemorrhages

Tests and diagnosis

• Retinal examination
• Ophthalmoscopy

• Fluorescein angiography

Treatment:

Control of high blood pressure is the only treatment for hypertensive retinopathy.