0
0
A groundbreaking study led by Australian researchers has unveiled a significant link between retinal thickness and a range of common diseases, including Type 2 diabetes, dementia, and multiple sclerosis (MS). The study, conducted by a team at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) in Melbourne, reveals how retinal imaging could serve as an early indicator for these conditions.
The research, which analyzed over 50,000 eyes, produced detailed maps of the retina, uncovering a strong connection between retinal thinning and various health conditions. The retina, a light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye, is part of the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. Conditions like dementia, diabetes, and MS are known to involve disruptions or degeneration within this system.
Retinal thinning, also referred to as lattice degeneration, involves the gradual loss of tissue in the retina. According to Vicki Jackson, the leader of the study from WEHI, these findings show that retinal imaging could act as a window into the central nervous system, offering valuable insights for the early detection and management of diseases.
“Our maps’ fine-scale measurements reveal critical new details about connections between retinal thinning and a range of common conditions,” said Jackson. “This research underscores the potential for retinal thickness to act as a diagnostic biomarker to help detect and track the progression of numerous diseases.”
The international team, which included researchers from the UK and the US, used artificial intelligence (AI) to generate 50,000 retinal maps, each with over 29,000 data points. This allowed the team to identify 294 genes that influence retinal thickness, which could play a pivotal role in disease development.
The findings open new possibilities for using routine eye imaging as a tool to not only screen for diseases but also to monitor their progression. This innovative research could eventually pave the way for earlier interventions and improved outcomes for patients worldwide.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on a study led by the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) and should not be considered as medical advice. Readers are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals for personalized medical guidance.
