Eye scans may reveal hidden heart risks

NCT ID NCT05082402

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study looked at whether a special eye scan (SS-OCTA) can detect signs of cardiovascular disease. Researchers compared retinal blood vessel changes to results from a standard carotid ultrasound in 42 adults. The goal was to see if the eye scan could predict the presence or severity of blocked arteries in the neck, which is a key risk factor for heart attack and stroke.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Swept Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (SS-OCTA)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could lead to a non-invasive eye scan that helps identify people at risk for cardiovascular disease, potentially enabling earlier detection.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed study with only 42 participants. The results may not apply to everyone, and the eye scan is not yet proven to reliably predict heart disease.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cardiovascular disorder retinal degeneration

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Northwestern University/Northwestern Medical Group, Department of Ophthalmology

    Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States