Exudate
Exudate is fluid that leaks out of blood vessels into nearby tissues. The fluid is made of cells, proteins, and solid materials. Exudate may ooze from cuts or from areas of infection or inflammation. It is also called pus.
In people who have an eye disease called diabetic retinopathy or damage from high blood pressure, exudates that are not related to any infection, form in the retina of the eye.
References
Patel R, Fraser VJ. Introduction to microbial disease: pathophysiology and diagnostics. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 256.
Schubert HD. Structure of the neural retina and retinal pigment epithelium. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 6.1.
Version Info
Last reviewed on: 4/1/2025
Reviewed by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor Emeritus, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
