Retinal vessel traits as biomarkers for systemic small vessel disease: Are they valid surrogate outcomes?

Project Summary

We reported that retinal vessel width and curvature were related to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). One small vessel disease like AMD often coexists with others such as dementia, stroke, kidney disease, peripheral vascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. Modifiable factors like exercise, weight, smoking, and medication for blood pressure and cholesterol may affect the health of the retinal vessels. Given the eye is easily accessible by camera, the condition of the retinal vessels may be a biomarker of the health of other less accessible small vessels in the body. If true, retinal vessels could be used as a surrogate outcome for small vessel diseases allowing intervention trials to be shorter and cheaper. However, evidence to support the use of retinal vessels as a valid surrogate outcome is incomplete. Our work will provide this evidence.