This ground-breaking discovery is related to three-dimensional eye scans, which optometrists frequently use to evaluate the health of the retina, a layer of nerve cells located at the back of the eye.
The intricate workings of the central nervous system can be seen through no other channel than the human eye, a marvel of biological engineering. Researchers have discovered the possibility to identify Parkinson’s disease early warning signs up to seven years before symptoms appear, opening up a new dimension in early diagnosis.
The effectiveness of 3D eye scans
According to Science Alert, this ground-breaking discovery involves three-dimensional eye scans, which optometrists frequently use to evaluate the health of the retina, a layer of nerve cells located at the back of the eye.
The fact that CT scans contain hints about both physical and mental health was hidden until recently.
The field of “oculomics” has recently emerged as a result of academics’ ambitious efforts to use this data to diagnose neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, and schizophrenia.
Parkinson’s, a confusing nerve system condition with an elusive cause and treatment, is a leading contender in this area.
Innovative retinal imaging research
Professor of artificial medical intelligence Pearse Keane of Moorfields Eye Hospital and University College London remarked that the eye is the only organ in the body where you can directly see microvascular circulation (the movement of blood through the smallest arteries). Your retinal blood vessel may exhibit changes if your blood or cardiovascular system undergoes modifications.
The greatest study on retinal imaging for Parkinson’s disease has been arranged by colleagues from several UK hospitals, and it took an enormous amount of work. Scientists had previously noticed abnormalities in the retinas of deceased Parkinson’s patients, but it was difficult to apply these changes to a live situation. However, the most recent discoveries suggest differently, providing a possible window into the origin and development of the disease.
Role of AI
A whopping 154,830 patients between the ages of 40 and beyond had their eye scans examined by experts using artificial intelligence.
In this cohort, 700 Parkinson’s patients showed minor but statistically significant changes in their retinal morphology.
In some areas, there was a noticeable weakening of the inner ganglion cell layer, which transmits visual information via dopamine.
This discovery provided a crucial hint when eye scans from the UK Biobank database, which included 67,311 people—53 of whom had Parkinson’s disease at the time of the study—were examined.
Early warning signs in the eyes
According to the study, inner ganglion cell layer thinning can occur before clinical signs of Parkinson’s appear in the early stages of the disease.
The theory that ocular abnormalities may be among the initial symptoms of the disease is strengthened by this finding, which supports earlier studies of ganglion thinning in Parkinson’s patients.