Systemic hypertension

Hypertensive retinopathy refers to a spectrum of ophthalmic changes secondary to elevated systemic blood pressure. Retinal arterioles can be visualized easily and non-invasively and share similar anatomical and physiological properties with cerebral and coronary microcirculation. Therefore, the retina provides a window to study the human circulation in hypertensive patients. Both acute hypertensive peaks and chronically elevated blood pressure may have ocular involvement: arteriovenous nicking is the hallmark of long-standing disease. Retinopathy has been graded in mild, moderate, and severe according to ocular findings and systemic risk. Accurate diagnosis of hypertensive retinopathy, especially that associated with malignant hypertension, is necessary to avoid visual and systemic morbidity and to address prompt treatment.