This project investigates how systemic diseases influence ocular structure and visual function by integrating multimodal data from UK Biobank. Systemic conditions such as metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hematologic abnormalities are frequently linked to retinal and optic nerve changes, yet population-level evidence combining imaging, biomarkers and longitudinal outcomes remains insufficient.
The study will characterise ocular phenotypes using OCT metrics, fundus photography, visual acuity, refraction, intraocular pressure and corneal parameters, and will relate these measures to major systemic biomarkers encompassing metabolic, inflammatory, renal and hematologic pathways. Particular emphasis will be placed on identifying early or subclinical ocular changes associated with systemic health profiles and determining whether combined systemic factors contribute to susceptibility to major eye diseases and vision impairment.
The scientific rationale rests on the unique scale and depth of UK Biobank, which offers comprehensive ophthalmic imaging alongside detailed phenotyping and long-term follow-up. Integrating these components enables a rigorous assessment of systemic-ocular interactions and may reveal modifiable determinants relevant to early detection, risk stratification and prevention of ocular disease.