Ocular diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy, are among the leading causes of vision impairment and blindness worldwide. Identifying modifiable risk factors is crucial for early prevention and intervention. This student research project aims to examine the impact of lifestyle and environmental factors on ocular diseases using UK Biobank data. Specifically, we will investigate how factors such as diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and environmental exposures influence the risk of developing major ocular diseases.
To achieve these objectives, we will employ multivariate linear regression to assess the relationship between continuous ocular parameters and lifestyle/environmental exposures while adjusting for potential confounders. For binary disease outcomes, logistic regression will be used to estimate odds ratios, and Cox proportional hazards models will be applied to evaluate the longitudinal association between these risk factors and the incidence of ocular diseases. Additionally, polygenic risk scores (PRS) will be utilized to examine gene-environment interactions, providing insight into whether individuals with a high genetic predisposition can mitigate their disease risk through lifestyle modifications. To further investigate causal relationships, we will conduct Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses, leveraging genetic variants as instrumental variables. This approach will help infer whether lifestyle and environmental exposures directly contribute to ocular disease risk, effectively addressing confounding and reverse causation biases.
By leveraging the extensive phenotypic, genetic, and environmental data available in UK Biobank, this study will generate robust epidemiological and genetic evidence on modifiable risk factors for ocular diseases. The findings may contribute to the development of targeted prevention strategies and inform public health policies aimed at reducing th
