Hypertensive retinopathy is generally classified into four stages:
Stage 1: Mild narrowing of the retinal arteries. Stage 2: More pronounced narrowing and possible AV (arteriovenous) nicking. Stage 3: Presence of retinal hemorrhages, hard exudates, and cotton wool spots. Stage 4: Severe swelling of the optic disc (papilledema) and significant vision impairment.
