Eye scans provide vital information about kidney health

Research stated that 3D eye scans can provide vital information about renal health that can help monitor the course of a disease. It has the potential to completely change the way kidney disease is monitored, as the condition frequently advances in its early stages with no symptoms. Since the ailment cannot now be detected by screening tests until half of the kidney function has been lost, experts say the technology has the potential to support early detection.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh looked into the possibility of employing optical coherence tomography (OCT) to capture 3D retinal images in order to detect and precisely forecast the course of kidney illness. Along with 86 healthy volunteers, they examined OCT pictures from 204 patients with varying stages of renal disease, including transplant patients. They found that patients with chronic kidney disease had thinner retinas than healthy volunteers. The study also showed that thinning of the retina progressed as kidney function declined.
With further research, regular eye checks could one-day aid early detection and monitoring to prevent the disease from progressing. It could also allow patients to make lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of health complications, experts say. The technology, supported by Heidelberg Engineering's imaging platform, could also aid the development of new drugs, the research team says.
The study is published in Nature Communications. It was funded by Kidney Research UK and supported by Edinburgh Innovations, the University's commercialisation service.