Approved Research

The eye and cardiovascular, endocrine, and metabolic diseases

Lay summary

Aim: The overall goal of this project is to investigate the association of eye diseases and retinal microvasculature with cardiovascular, endocrine, and metabolic diseases.

Scientific rationale: The vasculature of the eye shares many features with the other vessels throughout the body. Therefore, the function and structure of the eye share several common characteristics with cardiovascular, endocrine, and metabolic disorders. However, the underlying mechanisms and clinical utility of the eye in predicting and evaluating cardiovascular, endocrine, and metabolic disorders are poorly understood.

Expected project duration: 3 years.

Public health impact: This project could provide novel insights into the underlying mechanisms of the relationship between the eye and cardiovascular, endocrine, and metabolic disorders. It also would highlight the role of the eye as a 'vascular' organ in evaluating cardiovascular, endocrine, and metabolic disorders.