Tuesday 4 October 2022 11:42 PM Running eye scans through AI algorithm 'accurately predicts risk of an early ... trends now
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Scanning the inside of someone's eye could predict their risk of an early death, a study suggests.
Scientists have developed an AI programme that can spot early warning signs of a heart problem.
It works by measuring the thickness of tiny arteries and veins at the back of the eye, which are thought to hold key information about heart health.
Problems with blood circulation can cause blood vessels in the retina to thicken eventually leading to vision loss without treatment.
In a study of 88,000 Britons, it was able to predict 54 per cent of cases of heart attacks and strokes and 58 per cent of heart disease deaths.
Doctors said the test offered an alternative that was 'non-invasive' and could be used to check heart health during regular eye check ups.
Pictured above is a retina (in the black box) and a cut out showing how the AI measures the thickness of an artery running across its surface. A new method has been developed using these to suggest how likely someone is to die from heart disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America claiming about one life every 34 seconds, or 690,000 people annually.
There are no guidelines on how often someone should be screened for heart disease.
But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all over-20s are screened for high cholesterol — a predictor of heart disease — at least every five years.
They also recommend regular tests for blood pressure, and checks for blood glucose levels every three years.
