Eye scans may reveal hidden heart risks

NCT ID NCT05082402

Completed Diagnosis Sponsor: Northwestern University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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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.

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES RETINA; CHANGE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Northwestern University/Northwestern Medical Group, Department of Ophthalmology

Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States

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