Ophthalmology · UKMLA & AKT
Hypertensive retinopathy
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test, covering how to recognise this condition. The full SA Note notes add investigations, management and complications, with practice questions on this topic.
Key high-yield points
- Chronic hypertensive retinopathy (BP >140/90 mmHg sustained) - usually asymptomatic, detected incidentally; bilateral and symmetric findings
- Accelerated (malignant) hypertension (BP >180/120 mmHg) - headache, decreased vision, disc swelling
- Fundoscopic signs (chronic, progressive): copper wiring → silver wiring → AV nipping → flame haemorrhages → hard exudates
- Fundoscopic signs (accelerated): cotton wool spots, flame haemorrhages, macular star, disc swelling (papilloedema)
Bilateral symmetric findings distinguish hypertensive retinopathy from retinal vein occlusion (unilateral). AV nipping and copper/silver wiring are the defining features of hypertensive retinopathy - absence should make you favour diabetic retinopathy. Neovascularisation rules IN proliferative diabetic retinopathy and rules OUT hypertensive retinopathy.
Unlock the full Hypertensive retinopathy revision
Get the complete high-yield notes (4 more sections covering investigations, management and complications), practice questions, mock exams and Sal, the AI tutor. Start free.