THE FUNDUS OCULI IN HYPERTENSION AND ARTERIOSCLEROSIS

Vascular and retinal changes seen with the ophthalmoscope in hypertension and arteriosclerosis are described, their pathogenesis is discussed, and the whole is integrated by means of a rational hypothesis.The morphological changes in the arterioles, in the venules, and at the arteriolarvenous crossings are considered, and a classification is suggested for ease of reference.Retinal changes (retinopathy) in these diseases and their pathogenesis are outlined, showing how their appearance may be used to assess the function of the peripheral vascular system and how they may reflect the general status.Because of the great variety of changes found in the fundus oculi, any adequate classification of the total fundus picture is not proposed. It is best to describe the findings objectively, and only then to speculate as to their significance.