Using eye imaging to screen for brain artery disease

Researchers are testing whether retinal imaging—a simple, non-invasive picture of the blood vessels in your eye—can detect intracranial atherosclerosis, a condition where arteries inside the brain become hardened and narrowed. This could help doctors catch the condition early before it causes a stroke. The study will involve taking retinal photographs and comparing them with brain imaging tests you've already had.

Intracranial atherosclerosis causes severe strokes and is especially common in Asian populations, but current screening methods are invasive, expensive, or require specialized expertise. This study aims to find a simple, affordable screening method that could be used in clinics and physical exam centers worldwide.