Eye scans may help detect ageing and heart disease risk, study finds

New Delhi: A new study by Canadian researchers suggests that retinal scans could offer a noninvasive method to assess biological ageing and cardiovascular risk, potentially transforming early detection strategies for age-related diseases.

Published in Science Advances, the research highlights how changes in the eye’s tiny blood vessels reflect broader vascular health. “The eye provides a unique, noninvasive view into the body's circulatory system,” said Marie Pigeyre, Associate Professor at McMaster University’s Department of Medicine. “Changes in the retinal blood vessels often mirror changes occurring throughout the body's small vessels.”

The team analysed retinal images, genetic data, and blood samples from over 74,000 individuals. They found that people with simpler, less branched retinal vessels were more likely to show signs of biological ageing, including increased inflammation and reduced lifespan, and were at greater risk of cardiovascular disease.

Currently, diagnosing conditions like heart disease, stroke, and dementia involves multiple tests. Researchers hope retinal scans could eventually serve as a quick and accessible alternative, though further studies are needed to validate their use.

The study also identified two proteins, MMP12 and IgG-Fc receptor IIb, as potential drivers of vascular ageing and inflammation. These could become future drug targets aimed at slowing ageing and reducing cardiovascular disease burden.

“By connecting retinal scans, genetics, and blood biomarkers, we have uncovered molecular pathways that help explain how aging affects the vascular system,” Pigeyre said. “Our findings point to potential drug targets for slowing vascular ageing, reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases, and ultimately improving lifespan.”

(Inputs from IANS)