Scientists say your eyes could reveal how quickly you’re aging

Published in Advancement of science October 24, 2025 The study suggests that simple retinal scans could eventually serve as a non-invasive tool to assess cardiovascular health and biological aging. Such screenings may one day help doctors detect problems early and direct preventative care before symptoms appear.

Connecting eyes, genes and blood

“By linking retinal scans, genetics, and blood biomarkers, we have discovered molecular pathways that help explain how aging affects the vascular system,” says Mary Bigeire, senior author of the study and an associate professor in the Department of Medicine at McMaster University.

According to Bigger, the eye provides unique vision and easy access to the body’s blood circulation. “Changes in the blood vessels in the retina often reflect changes occurring throughout the small vessels in the body,” she explains.

To explore these relationships, researchers analyzed retinal images, genetic profiles, and blood samples from more than 74,000 participants drawn from four large-scale studies: the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA), the Diabetes Genetics Audit and Research Study (GoDARTS), the UK Biobank (UKBB), and the PHRI Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiological (PURE) study.

Their analysis revealed that individuals with simpler, less branched retinal vessels tended to have a higher likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease. These individuals also showed biological signs of accelerated aging, including increased inflammation and decreased lifespan.

Today, evaluating conditions associated with aging, such as heart disease, stroke and dementia, usually requires multiple and complex tests. Researchers hope that retinal imaging will one day simplify this process, providing a rapid and accessible measure of both aging and cardiovascular risk. However, they note that currently such screenings are only one part of a broader clinical picture that still requires comprehensive testing.

Discovering the molecular clues behind aging

A deeper look at blood biomarkers and genetic data revealed more than simple associations, it pointed to biological mechanisms that may lead to these changes. Researchers have identified several key proteins associated with inflammation and vascular aging, suggesting new avenues for drug development.

Among the most notable proteins were MMP12 and IgG-Fc receptor IIb, both of which have been linked to age-related damage to blood vessels. According to Biger, these molecules could represent promising therapeutic targets.

“Our findings point to potential drug targets for slowing vascular aging, reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease, and ultimately improving lifespan,” says Bejaer.

The study relied on blood protein biomarker data from the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiological Study led by PHRI, an international research initiative.

Funding for the project came from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, an E. J. Moran Campbell Intramural Career Research Award from McMaster University, and an Early Career Research Award from Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS). In addition, analyzes of retinal images performed through CLSA were supported by the New Investigator Fund of the Department of Health and Human Services.