INTERPRETING PHOTOGRAPHS

The findings in DRS may range from only a few scattered microaneurysms and dot blot hemorrhages (mild nonproliferative retinopathy) to extensive retinal hemorrhages, venous beading, cotton-wool spots and IRMA (intraretinal microvascular abnormalities), and severe nonproliferative retinopathy. Hard exudates may be seen in any stage and are often indicative of macula edema. Retinal neovascular is the hallmark of proliferative retinopahy and may or may not be associated with pre-retinal or vitreous hemorrhage.

HARD EXUDATES COTTON-WOOL SPOTS

MICROANEURYSMS (ARROWS) VENOUS BEADING DOT BLOT HEMORRHAGES

STAGES OF DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

MILD MODERATE SEVERE PROLIFERATIVE

RETINAL HEMORRHAGE

OCULAR ANATOMY