A simple eye scan could be used to check for signs of heart disease risk and biological aging, a new study shows – potentially allowing health issues to be spotted and treated earlier.

The work of a team from the UK and Canada is the latest evidence in a growing body of research showing that our eyes carry signals about our general health and well-being.

In this case, it's tiny blood vessels at the back of our peepers that hint at overall vascular health . The researchers were also able to identify proteins that appear to drive some changes, which could be targeted by treatments in the future.

"The eye provides a unique, non-invasive view into the body's circulatory system," says geneticist Marie Pigeyre, from McMaster University in Canada.

"Changes in the retinal blood vessels

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