Background: Ocular vascular diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and retinal vein occlusion, are linked to systemic vascular dysfunction and lifestyle factors. These diseases often co-occur with conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and sleep disturbances. Investigating these associations can reveal shared vascular and inflammatory mechanisms, improving early detection and management strategies for at-risk individuals.
Objective: To study the associations between ocular vascular diseases and systemic conditions (e.g., cardiovascular health, inflammation) and lifestyle factors (e.g., sleep quality, physical activity), and to identify potential biomarkers or modifiable risk factors.
Methods: This study will use the following UK Biobank data for a cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis:
1. Ocular data: OCT and OCT-A for macular and choroidal thickness, vascular density, and etc.
2. Systemic data: Carotid ultrasound (intima-media thickness, flow), HbA1c, CRP, lipid profiles, blood pressure and etc.
3. Lifestyle and sociodemographic data: Sleep questionnaires, actigraphy, physical activity levels, smoking, alcohol consumption, and etc.
4. Genetic data: Genome-wide genotyping data for hundreds of thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).
Statistical methods will include regression analyses, GWAS, mendelian randomizationmediation and time-to-event analysis.
Expected outcomes: The research aims to clarify the systemic and lifestyle determinants of ocular vascular diseases, identify shared pathophysiological mechanisms, and suggest potential targets for early intervention or prevention.