What type of retinal exudate appears in a star configuration associated with hypertensive retinopathy?

The star-shaped configuration of retinal exudates associated with hypertensive retinopathy is typically formed by hard exudates. These exudates are composed of lipids that leak from damaged retinal blood vessels and are often visible in a star pattern due to their distribution around the fovea in cases of retinal edema.

In hypertensive retinopathy, the presence of hard exudates indicates chronic retinal damage resulting from prolonged high blood pressure. They appear as well-defined, yellow-white lesions with a characteristic sharp boundary. The star pattern is particularly notable and is often referred to as "macular star."

Conversely, soft exudates, also known as cotton wool spots, represent areas of localized retinal ischemia but do not exhibit this star-shaped distribution. Retinal hemorrhages are characterized by the presence of blood and do not take the form of exudates. Drusen, which are small yellowish-white lesions on the retina, primarily indicate age-related changes and are not associated with the star configuration found in hypertensive retinopathy.