Definition of Arteriosclerotic retinopathy

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Arteriosclerotic retinopathy: Retinal disease caused by arteriosclerosis. In this condition, the arterioles (small arteries) in the retina become partially blocked because of thickening of their walls. Using an ophthalmoscope, a doctor can see the thickened arterioles and other indications of diminished blood supply to the retina. (The characteristic features include narrowed tortuous arterioles with a "copper wire" appearance, scattered small hemorrhages and sharp-edged deposits with no edema around them.) As a general rule, arteriosclerotic retinopathy does not damage vision, although it is a danger signal that the blood vessels in the body are arteriosclerotic and that steps are badly needed to prevent the progression of the disease process.