Introduction to Eye Tests and Heart Health
A scan that is part of a routine eye test could help keep the risk of a person having a heart attack or a stroke over the next 10 years, as a study suggested. Researchers used artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze digital retina photos to search for certain conditions.
How the Technology Works
The technology was able to produce personalized risk predictors in less than a second. It is hoped that one day the simple test can be offered in addition to blood pressure and cholesterol tests so that doctors can treat patients earlier. The researchers tested the AI software on the eyes of people with type-2 diabetes, who undergo routine eye tests to check for diabetic retinopathy.
The Connection Between Eye Health and Heart Health
According to experts, the eyes are a window to the heart. If there is damage or narrowing of the blood vessels in the back of the eye, there is a good chance that similar damage can also be seen in the blood vessels in the body that supply the heart, which could lead to a heart attack or a stroke. The AI tool was instructed to search for warning signs in the pictures, such as the narrowing of blood vessels or blockages.
Predicting Cardiovascular Events
The technology could predict the people who would have "heavy cardiovascular events" such as heart attacks or strokes within a decade. This is a one-stop scan that is carried out routinely and takes less than a minute. It could be an important part of the package alongside blood pressure and cholesterol tests to identify people who could benefit from drug or lifestyle changes.
Future Implications
Innovative innovations like the AI tool could "play a role in improving the risk preliminary". However, further examinations are necessary to show that this predictability is robust and to determine the feasibility of the inclusion of retinal scans in clinical practice. AI analyzes of health data "have an exciting potential for better early detection". Progress like this could make it easier for people who are exposed to the risk of a stroke to take the right steps to prevent this.
