Sudden onset, unilateral vision loss that is unaccompanied by other symptoms and not associated with trauma indicates an occlusion of the central retinal artery. Ophthalmoscopic exam will reveal a cherry red macula, among other symptoms. Flame-shaped hemorrhages may be seen with occlusion of the central retinal vein, which presents with decreased visual acuity (not abrupt loss of vision) in the affected eye. Hypertensive and diabetic retinopathies consist of long-term (rather than abrupt) visual changes that may present with lipid-exudates and deposits that are hard and shiny respectively.