| Branch retinal vein occlusion | Cotton-wool spots may be observed; the predominant features are dilated, tortuous retinal veins and intraretinal hemorrhages |
| Cytomegalovirus retinitis | Yellow-white, well-demarcated or granular lesions representing retinal necrosis, often along retinal vessels; retinal hemorrhages may be found within the retinitis or along itsleading edge |
| Diabetic retinopathy | Hard exudates with a yellow, waxy appearance |
| Hypertensive retinopathy | Retinal arteriolar constriction and arteriosclerosis causing vessel wall thickening, especially at arteriovenous junctions; cotton-wool spots may develop |
| Toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis | Yellow retinal lesions with indistinct borders, often adjacent to a retinal scar; moderate to severe vitreous inflammation may be present, possibly obscuring the view of theretina |