A straightforward eye examination might soon be able to identify individuals at risk of osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and affects nearly 3.5 million people in the UK, predominantly post-menopausal women.
Study Details
Researchers from Singapore examined the eyes of almost 2,000 participants using an AI-driven scan and compared the results with bone mineral density tests. They discovered that a higher retina age score—determined by the AI—correlated with lower bone mineral density, indicating an increased risk of fractures.
The findings were supported by an analysis of 44,000 individuals from the UK.
Why the Retina Matters
The retina, a thin layer of light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, is the only place in the body where blood and neural vessels can be observed without an invasive procedure. Previous studies have linked retina scans to cardiovascular disease detection.
Experts describe the retina as a key window into overall health, and the latest research suggests it may reflect broader ageing processes related to skeletal health.
"These findings suggest that retinal biological aging may reflect broader ageing processes related to skeletal health," wrote the authors from the Singapore Eye Research Institute. "Retinal imaging may therefore provide a simple, non-invasive, and accessible way to support opportunistic screening for osteoporosis risk."
Current Challenges
At present, osteoporosis is typically detected through expensive scans, often only after a person has suffered a fracture. The Royal Osteoporosis Society and The Mail on Sunday have been campaigning for the widespread implementation of fracture liaison services—screening clinics designed to detect osteoporosis before debilitating fractures occur.
The charity estimates that 2,500 people die each year from preventable hip fractures.
Craig Jones, chief executive of the Royal Osteoporosis Society, commented: "We welcome all new studies into the early diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis. Delayed diagnosis is the reason so many people are left vulnerable to life-changing fractures."
