Your eyes can predict whether you are at risk of a stroke: Study

A new study published in the journal -Heart- suggests a simple eye scan could predict stroke risk. Researchers found a link between the shape and size of retinal blood vessels and the likelihood of stroke. The study examined data from 45,161 people over age 55 participating in the UK Biobank study.

A recent study published in the journal Heart suggests that examining the shape and size of veins and arteries in the retina could predict stroke risk almost as effectively as traditional methods, without the need for invasive procedures.

Study highlights retinal-brain connection

The study indicates that the vascular network in the retina closely resembles that of the brain. Researchers say a simple retinal scan can assess the health of retinal blood vessels to identify potential risks to the brain’s vascular system. This involves analyzing features such as length, diameter, density, and branching of the retinal veins and arteries.

Research data and findings

The study analyzed health data of 45,161 individuals over 55 years old, collected through the UK Biobank study. Over a follow-up period of 12.5 years, 749 participants experienced strokes. The affected individuals were generally older, male, smokers, and had conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and low levels of “good” cholesterol—all recognized stroke risk factors.

Upon reviewing retinal images, researchers identified specific changes linked to a higher stroke risk. These included increased arc length and chord length of retinal blood vessels, as well as alterations in vessel calibre, such as diameter and ratio.

Implications for stroke prevention

The study’s findings highlight the potential of retinal scans as a non-invasive tool for early stroke risk assessment. Further research could pave the way for integrating such scans into routine health check-ups to identify and address stroke risks before symptoms arise.