So far, eye tests are certainly carried out to determine eye health. However, recent research has revealed that eye tests can be used not only to detect eye problems but also other diseases. Taking photos of the retina, which is the layer of cells at the back of the eye that is sensitive to light, can reveal a person's stroke risk.
This is because the retina can be problematic and damaged when a person has high blood pressure, a factor that triggers a stroke. Research shows that damage to the retina known as hypersensitive retinopathy can indicate a person's high risk of stroke, as reported by the Daily Mail (01/07).
According to the Stroke Association, one of the biggest problems associated with stroke is that it is difficult to detect and difficult to know who is going to attack. But now researchers can find out by observing one of the main factors of stroke, namely high blood pressure. So far, high blood pressure is known to cause 50 per cent of strokes each year. Many people have no symptoms and don't know their risk of having a stroke.
Even so, these results raise questions about whether this test should be done routinely the same as routine tests to prevent strokes? This test is actually very simple and is done like any other eye test. Doctors only need to take pictures of the retina with the help of eye medication which makes the pupil dilate.
"The machine used in this test is usually used to see changes due to diabetes that occur in the blood vessels of the eye," said Dr Bernie Chang of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.
These results were obtained by researchers after observing 2,907 people with high blood pressure. Participants were then followed for 13 years. During that time, about 146 people had strokes. Researchers later found that the risk of stroke was 35 per cent higher in people who had problems with their retina, and 137 per cent higher in people with moderate and severe hypersensitive retinopathy.
