<prompt> First retinal abnormality in diabetic retinopathy -MicroaneurysmHard exudatesSoft exudatesCotton Wool Spots  <response>: Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy NPDR Opthalmoscopic features of NPDR include: Microaneurysm are seen in the macular area the earliest detectable lesion . These are formed due to focal dilation of capillary wall following loss of pericytes. These appaear as red dots and leak fluid, proteins., lipids and also fluorescein dye on FFA. Retinal haemorrhages Retinal oedema Hard exudates Cotton-wool spots Venous abnormalities Intraretinap microvascular abnormalities IRMA Dark-blot haemorrhages Ref;A.K.Khurana; 6th edition; Page no: 278 