Researchers have conducted one of the largest eye studies in the world to reveal new insights into retinal thickness, highlighting its potential in the early detection of diseases like type 2 diabetes, dementia and multiple sclerosis.
The WEHI-led study, using cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology to analyse over 50,000 eyes, produced maps of the retina in unprecedented detail to better understand how retinal differences link to various diseases.
The findings open up new possibilities for using routine eyecare imaging as a tool to screen for and manage diseases, much like mammograms have for breast cancer.
At a glance
· Innovative AI-powered research has created the most detailed maps of the retina ever produced.
· WEHI researchers have used these maps to link retinal thinning to a range of diseases as well as identifying new genetic factors that influence retinal thickness.
· The findings could pave the way for routine eyecare imaging as a disease screening tool.
Unlocking a window into the brain
The retina is part of the central nervous system, which also comprises the brain and spinal cord. Many diseases are linked to degeneration or disruption of this critical system, including neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia and metabolic disorders like diabetes.
Globally, neurological conditions alone are one of the leading causes of disability and illness, with over 3 billion people, or 43% of the world's population living with a brain related condition.
Lead researcher, WEHI's Dr Vicki Jackson, said the findings broaden the horizons for using retinal imaging as a doorway into the central nervous system, to help manage disease.
"We've shown that retinal imaging can act as a window to the brain, by detecting associations with neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis and many other conditions," said Dr Jackson, a statistician and gene expert.
"Our maps' fine-scale measurements reveal critical new details about connections between retinal thinning and a range of common conditions."
The study also identified new genetic factors that influence retinal thickness, which are likely to play a role in the growth and development of a person's retina.
"This research underscores the potential for retinal thickness to act as a diagnostic biomarker to aid in detecting and tracking the progression of numerous diseases. We can now pinpoint specific locations of the retina which show key changes in some diseases."
The international research team, led by WEHI, applied AI methods to big population data of retinal imaging and compared information about each person's genetics and health to reveal unprecedented links to disease.
The results created 50,000 maps with measurements at over 29,000 locations across the retina, identifying retinal thinning relating to 294 genes that play an important role in disease.
AI fast-tracking the diagnostic future
Study lead and bioinformatician, Professor Melanie Bahlo AM, said past studies had indicated correlations between retinal thickness and disease, but her team's AI-powered discoveries shed deeper light on the complex spatial anatomy of the retina and its role in disease.
"Technologies like AI fuel discovery, and when fused with brilliant minds, there is an extraordinary ability to transform big population data into far-reaching insights," Prof Bahlo, a lab head at WEHI, said.
"There has never been a time in history where this powerful combination – technology, big data and brilliant minds – has come together to advance human health."
The research reinforces the growing field of oculomics (using the eye to diagnose health conditions) as an emerging, powerful and non-invasive approach for predicting and diagnosing diseases.
Many collaborators were involved in the study, including the UK Biobank (retinal images), University of Washington (AI processing of imaging data); the Lowy Medical Research Institute (disease association analysis); as well as the Moorfields Eye Hospital and the University College London (clinical expertise).
The research has been generously funded by the Lowy Medical Research Institute.
The study, "Multi-omic spatial effects on high-resolution AI-derived retinal thickness", is published in Nature Communications (DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-55635-7).
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About WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research)
WEHI is where the world's brightest minds collaborate and innovate to make life-changing scientific discoveries that help people live healthier for longer. Our medical researchers have been serving the community for more than 100 years, making transformative discoveries in cancers, infectious and immune diseases, developmental disorders, and healthy ageing. WEHI brings together diverse and creative people with different experience and expertise to solve some of the world's most complex health problems. With partners across science, health, government, industry, and philanthropy, we are committed to long-term discovery, collaboration, and translation. At WEHI, we are brighter together.
