Sydney: Retinal thickness could serve as an early indicator of diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and dementia, according to an Australian-led international study.
Researchers from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) in Melbourne analyzed data from over 50,000 eyes to explore the connection between retinal changes and various diseases, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Their study produced high-resolution retinal maps, revealing that retinal thinning is linked to several common conditions, including Type 2 diabetes, dementia, and multiple sclerosis (MS).
The retina, a light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye, is part of the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. Since conditions like dementia, diabetes, and MS are associated with nervous system degeneration, changes in retinal thickness may provide valuable insights into their progression.
Retinal thinning, also known as lattice degeneration, involves the gradual loss of retinal tissue. Vicki Jackson, the study’s lead researcher from WEHI, highlighted the significance of their findings, stating that retinal imaging could offer a valuable window into the central nervous system for disease management.
“Our high-resolution maps reveal critical new details about how retinal thinning is connected to a range of common conditions,” Jackson explained.
She emphasized that retinal thickness could serve as a diagnostic biomarker, helping detect and monitor disease progression over time.
The research team, which included experts from the UK and the US, utilized artificial intelligence (AI) to generate detailed retinal maps with measurements taken at over 29,000 points on each retina.
This extensive data analysis enabled them to identify 294 genes that influence retinal thickness and contribute to disease development.
Researchers believe their findings open new avenues for utilizing routine eye imaging as a potential screening tool for early disease detection and management.
By leveraging AI and retinal imaging, healthcare professionals may soon have a non-invasive method to monitor neurological and metabolic diseases, improving early diagnosis and patient outcomes.