Could eye scans spot schizophrenia? New research offers hope for early detection
New study suggests that greater genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia is linked to thinner retinal tissue.
Eyes have long been called a window to the world — but new research suggests they may also reveal the state of a person’s mental health.
New study by a team of international researchers from the University of Zurich and the University Hospital of Psychiatry, Zurich finds that genetic risk for schizophrenia is linked to thinner retinas, suggesting that one day retinal scans could aid in early detection and intervention of the disease.
A part of the central nervous system, retina is directly connected to the brain, showing subtle signatures of shift in the brain activity in the eyes.
Researchers investigated whether disruptions in neural communication are tied to genetic risk factors for schizophrenia — a disorder known for affecting how the brain processes information.
Genetic risk meets retina
Previous studies have suggested that schizophrenia may be associated with a loss of gray matter in the brain and thinning of the retina. Yet it remains uncertain whether these changes contribute to the development of the disorder or emerge as a consequence of it.
Other variables — such as the effects of antipsychotic medications, lifestyle habits, or comorbid conditions like diabetes — could also play a role in altering the retina.
“To investigate whether the risk of developing schizophrenia has an effect on the central nervous system, we examined tens of thousands of healthy individuals,” first author of the study Finn Rabe said.