What Are Cotton Wool Spots?
Tiny white areas that appear on the retina are called cotton wool spots. These spots are caused by a lack of blood flow to the retinal blood vessels (often caused by central retinal vein occlusion) and the retinal nerve fiber layer. These appear as fluffy, white patches on the eye. Cotton wool spots can be found during an examination of the retina, usually using optical coherence tomography. While cotton wool spots usually disappear without treatment and are not a threat to vision, it is important to investigate and diagnose the underlying condition that led to the development of cotton wool spots. Retinal thinning can often occur at the area where the lesion is. At Boston Vision, we can be able to examine and diagnose your eyes for these spots.
Who is at Risk of Cotton Wool Spots?
Retinal cotton wool spots can be indicators of a serious medical condition. Diabetes (diabetes mellitus) is the most common cause of cotton wool spots. These have been associated with a higher risk of getting diabetic retinopathy, systemic hypertension (high blood pressure), and hypertensive retinopathy. Cotton wool spots can also be a common sign of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). These spots are present in more than half of the people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Schedule a Consultation
Getting your eyes checked regularly should be part of your annual health routine, much like going to the doctor or dentist. This is important so that if there are any optical problems, they can be diagnosed early and treated. To schedule your appointment, book online with us to get started.
