Approved Research

Determinants of eye diseases

Lay summary

Research question: The objective of this project is to investigate social, socio-economic, psychological, and environmental determinants, biological and blood assays, lifestyle behaviors, clinical biomarkers, genetic and radiological features associated with eye physiology, eye impairment, loss of vision and the development of vision diseases in the UK Biobank. We will utilize this database to develop new biomarkers and determinants related to eye diseases.

Scientific rational: As the European population continues to age, the incidence of eye diseases that threaten vision is predicted to steadily rise. These conditions can result in irreversible loss of vision and impaired eyesight, leading to decreased productivity, limitations in performing daily activities, and a significant decrease in quality of life. As a result, healthcare professionals face a significant challenge in addressing this issue both now and in the future. To overcome this challenge, healthcare systems worldwide must move towards a preventive approach, particularly in the field of eye care, where the gap between supply and demand of services is growing globally. To make this shift, it is crucial to gather detailed clinical, biological, social, lifestyle, and imaging data from well-designed population-based cohort studies, such as the UK Biobank. The data provided by the UK Biobank will enable a more comprehensive understanding of the individual and combined effects of various determinants on a range of eye diseases in the adult population. Since these diseases may have multiple causes, each with a modest impact and interacting with others in complex ways, it is crucial to have a large sample size to study the specific effects of each exposure.

However, UK Biobank is not representative of the general population and could not be used to investigate incidence and prevalence of eye diseases but this database could be off interest to better understand the different mechanisms involved and then, the comprehension of eye diseases.

Project duration: 36 months

Public health impact: The results of this project could offer valuable insights into the risk factors for eye diseases that pose a threat to vision. Such insights could enhance our comprehension of the intricate social and environmental mechanisms that damage the development or progression of these diseases and potentially expedite the creation of preventive or early detection programs for significant eye diseases. Additionally, this project can furnish us with useful information on how generalizable the risk factors are and how major eye diseases impact a sizable population.