Eyes are windows not only into the soul, but also into the vascular system. Abnormal physical characteristics of vasculature within the eyes can be an indicator of underlying cardiovascular conditions. Moreover, some of these characteristics, if spotted during childhood, can point toward taking prophylactic therapy to help slow down or prevent certain adulthood diseases.
A team of Spanish researchers just announced the development of a highly automated eye visualization system that detects all sorts of characteristics within the eye and helps determine cardiovascular disease risk. The system measures the width of vessels within the eye and the angles at which they branch out. Using pulse wave transit time technology real-time velocity of blood flowing through the vessels is detected. The data is then analyzed using specialty software and results obtained, hopefully without a professional ophthalmologist’s assistance. Here’s video (in Spanish) showing off the new technology:
Announcement: Researchers develop a new system to aid cardiovascular risk diagnosis