Diabetic retinopathy manifests as:

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes, and it primarily arises from damage to the blood vessels in the retina due to prolonged high blood sugar levels. One of the key manifestations of this condition is the presence of exudates. Exudates are fluid leaks that occur from damaged blood vessels, which can form in the retina and present as either cotton wool spots or hard exudates.

The presence of exudates is a result of serum proteins and lipids leaking from these compromised vessels, leading to characteristic findings upon examination. Hard exudates appear as yellowish-white lesions with well-defined edges, whereas cotton wool spots are fluffy, white patches on the retina due to localized retinal ischemia.

Understanding the signs of diabetic retinopathy, including exudates, is essential for early detection and management of the disease, as timely intervention can prevent vision loss. This condition is typically monitored in patients with diabetes to assess and manage their risk of developing more severe retinal complications. Other conditions mentioned, such as optic nerve swelling, cataracts, and glaucoma, do not directly relate to the common manifestations of diabetic retinopathy specifically.