Eyes can predict cardiovascular disease risk in less than a minute

An artificial intelligence tool that scans the eyes can accurately predict a person's risk of heart disease in less than a minute, researchers say.

According to the world's largest study of its kind, the breakthrough could allow ophthalmologists and other healthcare professionals to screen for cardiovascular disease with a camera — without the need for blood tests or blood pressure checks.

Researchers have found that AI imaging of retinal veins and arteries can determine the risk of cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular death, and stroke.

They say the results could open the door to a highly effective, non-invasive test available to people at moderate to high risk of heart disease that doesn't need to be performed in a clinic. Their findings were published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.