Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

Which is NOT a retinal change typically seen in hypertensive retinopathy?

1. Arteriosclerotic changes

2. Retinal detachments

3. Retinal hemorrhages

4. Exudates

The correct answer is: Retinal detachments

In the context of hypertensive retinopathy, the changes that are typically observed include arteriosclerotic changes, retinal hemorrhages, and exudates, all of which are direct consequences of the effects of high blood pressure on retinal blood vessels. Arteriosclerotic changes refer to the thickening and hardening of the retinal arteries, which can lead to narrowing and are a hallmark of chronic hypertension. This can also include the appearance of copper and silver wiring in the arteries. Retinal hemorrhages are another common manifestation of hypertensive retinopathy. They can occur due to the rupture of small vessels within the retina due to elevated blood pressure. Exudates are deposits that may be lipid-rich, appearing as cotton wool spots or hard and soft exudates. These result from localized ischemia and damaged endothelial cells in the retinal blood vessels, which can occur because of hypertension. In contrast, retinal detachments are not considered a typical or characteristic change associated with hypertensive retinopathy. While they can occur as a consequence of various ocular conditions, they are not directly linked to the changes caused by hypertension itself. Therefore, this option is the correct answer as it identifies a condition that is not commonly associated with the retinal alterations seen