| Cotton-wool spots are tiny white areas
on the retina, the layer of light-sensing cells lining
the back of the eye. Caused by a lack of blood flow to
the small retinal blood vessels, they usually disappear
without treatment and do not threaten vision. They can,
however, be an indication of a serious medical condition.
Diabetes is the most common cause of cotton-wool spots.
The presence of more than eight cotton-wool spots has
been associated with a higher risk of the more severe
form of diabetic retinopathy known as proliferative
diabetic retinopathy.
Cotton-wool spots are also a common sign of infection
with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). They are
present in more than half of the people with full-blown
AIDS. Their presence can be an important sign of the
severity of HIV-related disease. |
