Your Eyes Can Reveal Early Signs of Heart Disease; Here's How

While there is a popular saying that eyes are the windows to the soul, they can also reveal your heart's health. According to a new study, a routine eye exam can show early signs of systemic conditions, which include deadly cardiovascular diseases. Scientists say changes in your retina, like blood vessel abnormalities, indicate high blood pressure, making an eye assessment an important tool for early detection. The study, published in the journal PMC, says that many people with heart issues do have a few specific signs in the retina, like vascular occlusions or blockages in retinal arteries or veins, hypertensive retinopathy or damage from high blood pressure, diabetic retinopathy, which is a complication of diabetes that increases cardiovascular risk,

and age-related macular degeneration or AMD. Other signs can also include xanthelasma or cholesterol deposits on eyelids and arcus senilis, which is the formation of a ring around the cornea, all of which indicate high cholesterol levels. “By connecting retinal scans, genetics, and blood markers, we’ve uncovered ways aging affects the vascular system,” said Marie Pigeyre, Associate Professor at McMaster University’s Department of Medicine. “The eye gives a unique, noninvasive view of the body’s circulation. Changes in these small vessels often reflect what’s happening throughout the body,” she added.

How was the study conducted?

Scientists said they analyzed data from more than 70,000 participants, which combined retinal scans, genetic information, and blood tests. Researchers discovered that those with simpler and less branched blood vessels in the eyes were at a higher risk of heart disease and showed early signs of biological ageing, including higher inflammation and shorter lifespans. At present, to check for age-related illnesses like heart disease, stroke, or dementia, there are many tests that need to be conducted. However, scientists say the hope is that in the future, retinal scans alone could provide quick, accessible insights into both ageing and cardiovascular risk. Pigeyre also emphasizes that while the results are promising, more research is needed before this approach becomes a standard health check.

Genetic data holds an important key

Another important aspect of the study, scientists said, came from reviewing blood biomarkers and genetic data. Through this, researchers said they have uncovered not just associations, but potential biological causes behind changes in the eye's blood vessels, which has helped them identify and understand specific proteins that may drive ageing and disease. These proteins include MMP12 and IgG–Fc receptor IIb, both of which are linked to inflammation and vascular ageing and can be potential targets for future drugs. ‘Our findings point to potential drug targets for slowing vascular aging, reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases, and ultimately improving lifespan,” she added.

Why do eyes show signs of heart disease?

Experts say heart disease often begins silently as it slowly damages blood vessels throughout your body without any obvious symptoms. Since your eyes have delicate and sensitive blood vessels, they can be damaged earlier than other parts of your body, which include:

• Narrow and twisted blood vessels
• Tiny leaks
• Changes in the retina’s structure
• Blockage in blood vessels that cause eye strokes