The Eye as a Target Organ: An Updated Classification of Hypertensive Retinopathy

The purpose of this paper is to recognize the eye as a hypertensive target organ that should be considered for risk stratification and subsequent therapeutic intervention. Revision of the traditional Keith, Wagner, and Barker classification of hypertensive retinopathy to a user-friendly vascular-based pathophysiologic classification should help. A simple, two-grade classification of hypertensive retinopathy that encourages the use of ophthalmoscopy to evaluate retinovascular changes is suggested. Utilization of this revised retinopathy classification will facilitate the evaluation of the hypertensive patient. (c)2000 by Le Jacq Communications, Inc.