May present with sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, diplopia, and systemic symptoms.

If suspected, the initiation of corticosteroids should be instituted immediately, even before the temporal artery biopsy.

Arterial narrowing and tortuosity.

Change in the light reflex of the vessel wall, arteriovenous crossing.

Flame-shaped hemorrhages, cotton-wool spots, or microinfarcts.

Papilledema.

A medical emergency, but do not decrease the systemic blood pressure too rapidly because it may lead to infarction of the optic nerve.

In type 1 diabetes there is a 5-year delay. In type 2 diabetes the retinopathy may be present at the time of diagnosis.

Retinal hemorrhages and hard exudates are not specific, but their distribution and relative proportions have a characteristic and essentially pathognomonic appearance.

Diabetic patients should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist at least once a year.

Sudden loss of vision.

The retina is opacified with a cherry-red spot in the macular area.

Orbital disease, the most common ophthalmic manifestation, presents with pain, tenderness, limited extraocular movement, and proptosis.

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is the most common ocular problem. It requires frequent instillation of tears or bland ointment to prevent corneal opacification and melting.