optometristNews of an Australian science breakthrough was released today which uses an eye test to help identify increased risk of diabetes and heart disease. The technique involves taking a photo of the arteries and veins at the back of the eye .  Small changes in these blood vessels can give health officials an insight into what is happening in other parts of the body.

Studies suggested that increase in weight and body mass result in changes in the eyes blood vessels.

The real advantage in using this technique to spot potential future health problems easily before other issues occur.  Changes in smaller blood vessels due to increased weight gain happen before other cardiovascular risk factors develop.

Part of future heart disease screening may include a visit to the opticians to spot blood vessel enlargment and potential problems.