Diabetic Retinopathy vs Hypertensive Retinopathy: Key Differences | Optometry
Few things in eye care show how closely the eye is connected to the rest of the body as clearly as retinopathy. The retina is the only place where blood vessels can be seen directly, without surgery. A quick look with an ophthalmoscope or a fundus camera can reveal what diabetes and high blood pressure have been doing to the body, sometimes for years, without a single symptom. Two of the most common retinal conditions are diabetic retinopathy (DR) and hypertensive retinopathy (HR) . Both cause hemorrhages, exudates, and cotton wool spots, and both can occur in the same patient. That is why they are often confused. But they start from different problems, show different patterns, and need different action. This guide explains the key differences in a clear, practical way. It is written for optometry students and clinicians, and it is also useful for patients with diabetes or high blood pressure who want to understand why a dilated eye exam is so important. Important: This article...