Regular retinal examination may forecast the potential for a heart attack or stroke within the subsequent decade, according to a study by the University of Dundee.
AI-assisted retinal scanning has emerged as a promising tool in the early detection of heart disease and stroke risks, particularly for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Recent research suggests that this technology can predict cardiovascular risks with an impressive 70% accuracy[1][2].
The technology, developed using artificial intelligence (AI), analyses digital retinal photographs to examine the blood vessels in the eye, which reflect vascular health in other parts of the body, including the heart[2]. This groundbreaking innovation was trialled by the University of Dundee on the eye scans of people with type 2 diabetes, leveraging the existing infrastructure for diabetic retinopathy monitoring[2].
The potential feasibility of incorporating AI-assisted retinal scanning into routine clinical practice is encouraging. The technology's accessibility, speed, efficiency, and non-invasive nature make it an attractive addition to current healthcare systems[1][2]. The scans, which are part of routine eye tests for diabetic patients, can be analysed quickly by the AI tool, producing personalised risk predictors in under a second[2].
Moreover, the technology's potential for enhanced diagnostic accuracy increases when combined with other diagnostic tools, such as cardiovascular risk scores and genetic tests[1]. However, further studies are required to validate these findings across diverse populations and ensure the technology is robust enough for widespread adoption.
Leading experts in the field, such as Dr Clare Jonas, Dr Ify Mordi, Professor Bryan Williams, and Jonas, have expressed optimism about the technology's potential for better early detection and improved risk prediction[1]. Dr Mordi emphasised that damage or narrowing of the blood vessels at the back of the eye could also be seen in the blood vessels supplying the heart, potentially leading to heart attacks or strokes[1].
In conclusion, AI-assisted retinal scanning presents an exciting opportunity for the early detection of heart disease and stroke risks, particularly for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Its feasibility in routine clinical practice is promising, given its non-invasive nature, speed, and potential for enhanced diagnostic accuracy. However, more research is needed to ensure the technology's robustness and feasibility for widespread adoption.
[1] University of Dundee. (2022, February 17). AI-driven technology could predict heart attacks and strokes based on eye scans. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 27, 2022, from
[2] University of Dundee. (2022, February 17). AI tool could predict cardiovascular risk from retinal scans. Retrieved March 27, 2022, from
[3] University of Dundee. (2022, February 17). AI tool could predict cardiovascular risk from retinal scans. Retrieved March 27, 2022, from
- The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in retinal scanning may contribute significantly to science, particularly in the medical-conditions domain, by predicting cardiovascular risks associated with heart disease and stroke.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, the development of AI technology for early retinal detection could revolutionize cardiovascular-health monitoring, particularly for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
- The integration of this AI technology with existing technology, such as genetic tests, could potentially enhance diagnostic accuracy, thereby contributing to the field of artificial-intelligence and improving overall health outcomes.
