Scientists Can Now See Aging Through Your Eyes, Study Finds
Have you ever imagined your eyes revealing how fast you’re aging? Scientists from McMaster University and the Population Health Research Institute (PHRI) have made that idea a reality. Their new study shows that the tiny blood vessels in your eyes can indicate both your biological age and your heart disease risk. The findings, published in Science Advances, suggest retinal scans could become a simple, non-invasive tool for tracking overall health and aging.
The Eyes as a Window to Health
According to lead researcher Marie Pigeyre, the eye offers a clear view into the body’s circulatory system. Changes in retinal blood vessels often mirror those happening in other parts of the body. By linking retinal scans with genetics and blood biomarkers, the team uncovered molecular pathways that show how aging impacts blood vessels. This discovery may help doctors detect disease earlier and offer preventive care more effectively.
What the Study Revealed
The study analyzed retinal images, genetic data, and blood samples from over 74,000 people across four global studies, including the UK Biobank and the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. Researchers found that people with fewer, less-branched retinal vessels had a higher risk of heart disease. They also showed biological signs of faster aging, such as inflammation and reduced life expectancy.
While retinal scans are not yet a stand-alone diagnostic tool, experts believe they could soon make health checks easier and faster. As technology advances, a simple eye scan might one day reveal how healthy and how young your body truly is.
