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Retvic Research Reveals Retinal Scan Can Predict Cardiovascular Diseases

Posted on: Tuesday, 8 May 2007, 09:00 CDT

Heart disease has been detected in children as young as seven and adults, thanks to a simple eye scan developed by RetVic's University of Melbourne researcher Professor Tien Wong. 35,000 people have been tested so far. In some instances the scans detected retinal changes associated with high blood pressure and heart disease. "For the first time, eye specialists appear able to predict cardiovascular disease by scanning the eyes for blood vessel damage. This technology could revolutionize the way cardiovascular and other diseases are diagnosed," said Premier Steve Bracks, Victoria, Australia, at Bio 2007 in Boston.

The preliminary findings also show that there are significant correlations of retinal features between twins, suggesting that the retinal changes may be genetically determined. An additional 65,000 Victorians will be tested to further prepare and refine the technology and its applications. "Depending on the findings, a routine visit to the optometrist in the future might not only tell you if you need a prescription for new glasses but also whether you are at risk of developing hypertension, diabetic complications and other cardiovascular disease," said Mr. Bracks.

Professor Wong, 38, is based in the University's Center for Eye Research Australia. He has been working with international collaborators to develop the software, which is based on the analysis of retinal photographs that reveal the presence of strokes, hypertension and heart failure. "Extensive improvements in digital imaging technology and computer software have played a huge role in the success of this collaborative research," Professor Wong said. "Although there is a known link between blood vessel damage and cardiovascular disease, until now we have not been able to precisely examine the damage in any great detail or to link it to other diseases."

About RetVic

RetVIC is a collaboration between the departments of Ophthalmology and Computer Science and Software Engineering at the University of Melbourne, the Centre for Eye Research Australia, the Baker Medical Research Institute, Diabetes Australia, the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, St Vincent's Hospital, Royal Melbourne Hospital, the Centre for Vision Research at the University of Sydney, the International Diabetes Institute, Pfizer Australia, the National Stroke Research Institute and Monash University.

The Center for Eye Research Australia was supported by a $2 million Victorian Government grant. Additional support has been provided by the National Heart Foundation of Australia, the National Stroke Foundation, the Save Sight Institute at the University of Sydney, the Ian Potter Foundation and BSC Electronics.

 Media Contact: Michelle Linn Linnden Communications Office: 508-419-1555 Mobile: 774-696-3803 Contact via http://www.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=CC86248E00F89C5F  

SOURCE: Government of Victoria Australia

Source: MARKET WIRE

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