Study could pave the way for routine eyecare imaging as a disease screening tool

Researchers have carried out one of the largest eye studies in the world to reveal new insights into the retina thickness, which emphasizes the potential in the early detection of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, dementia and multiple sclerosis.

The why-guided study, using advanced artificial intelligence technology to analyze more than 50,000 eyes, produced maps of the retina in unprecedented details to better understand how retinal differences link to various diseases.

The findings open new possibilities for the use of routine eyecare image formation as an aid to screen on and manage diseases, just like breast cancer have mammograms.

At a glance

• Innovative AI-driven research has made the most detailed maps of the Retina ever produced.

• Wehi researchers have used these cards to link retinal thinner to a series of diseases, as well as identifying new genetic factors that influence the retinal thickness.

• The findings can clear the road for routine image of the glance as a tool for screening diseases.

Unlock a window in the brain

The retina is part of the central nervous system, which also includes the brain and spinal cord. Many diseases are linked to degeneration or disruption of this critical system, including neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia and metabolic disorders such as diabetes.

Worldwide, only neurological disorders are one of the main causes of disability and disease, with more than 3 billion people, or 43% of the world’s population living with a brain -related disorder.

Main researcher, Dr. Vicki Jackson from Wehi, said the findings broaden the horizon for the use of retinal imaging as a doorway to the central nervous system to help manage diseases.

“We have shown that retinal imaging can work as a window in the brain, by detecting associations with neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis and many other disorders.

The fine measurements of our cards reveal critical new details about connections between the thinner becoming the retina and a series of common circumstances. “

Dr. Vicki Jackson, Statistician and Genexpert, Chief Researcher, Wehi

The study also identified new genetic factors that influence the retinal thickness, which will probably play a role in the growth and development of a person’s retina.

“This research underlines the potential for retinal thickness to act as a diagnostic biomarker to help detect and follow the progression of countless diseases. We can now determine specific locations of the retina those important changes in some diseases.”

The international research team, led by Wehi, applied AI methods to large population data of retinal imaging and compared information about the genetics and health of each person to reveal unprecedented links to diseases.

The results created 50,000 cards with measurements at more than 29,000 locations in the retina, whereby the retinal thinner are identified with regard to 294 genes that play an important role in the disease.

Ai who accelerates the diagnostic future

Study Lead and Bio Information, Professor Melanie Bahlo am, said that earlier studies had indicated the correlations between retinal thickness and illness, but the AI-driven discoveries of her team shed deeper on the complex spatial anatomy of the retina and his role in The disease.

“Technologies such as Ai Fuel Discovery, and when merged with brilliant spirits, there is an extraordinary capacity to convert large population data into far -reaching insights,” said Prof Bahlo, a laboratory head at Wehi.

“There has never been a while in history in which this powerful combination – technology, big data and brilliant spirits – came together to promote human health.”

The research reinforces the growing area of ​​Oculomica (using the eye to diagnose health problems) as an emerging, powerful and non-invasive approach for predicting and diagnosing diseases.

Many employees were involved in the study, including the British Biobank (Retinal Images), University of Washington (AI processing of image data); the Lowy Medical Research Institute (analysis of the disease association); As well as the Moorfields Eye Hospital and the University College London (Clinical Expertise).

The research is generously funded by the Lowy Medical Research Institute.