Eye photos predict stroke risk

One in five stroke victims are likely to have another - or a heart attack

A photographic image of the tiny arteries at the back of the eye can predict how likely a person is to suffer a stroke, according to a US study.

Subtle damage to the blood vessels at the back of the eye may indicate an increased risk, say researchers at the University of Wisconsin.

Normally, doctors need to use an invasive technique to test for signs of stroke risk - the only other sign of potential future trouble is high blood pressure.

The photographic technique, which is non-invasive, was trialled on more than 10,000 men and women from four communities in the US.

We may be able to detect patients who are going to suffer a stroke by looking at the blood vessels at the back of the eye

Eoin Redahan, Stroke Association

Over a period of three-and-a-half years, 110 of the patients taking part in the study suffered a stroke.

Using the photographic technique, it was found that damaged blood vessels had been detected in most of those who had suffered a stroke.

Dr Tien Yin Wang, who led the study, said that the study certainly suggested that the tiny blood vessels were useful indicators of stroke risk.

Eoin Redahan, of the Stroke Association, told BBC News Online that the study was "very interesting".

"What it suggests is that we may be able to detect patients who are going to suffer a stroke by looking at the blood vessels at the back of the eye.

"This now raises questions as to how this information may be used.

"High blood pressure, which is the main indicator for stroke, should already have been detected and monitored.

"Four in ten people who die of stroke could have been saved if their high blood pressure had been monitored and controlled."