Effect of Different Environmental Exposures on Retinal Arteriolar and Venular Diameters in Healthy Individuals and Those with Increased Cardiovascular Risk: A Systematic Review

Context: Fundus scanning has emerged as a non-invasive way to estimate the risk for cardiovascular diseases. Research suggests that environmental risk factors, such as diet and smoking, influences the structure of the retinal microvasculature, particularly the central retinal arteriolar and venular equivalents (CRAE & CRVE). Objective: This systematic review provides an updated overview of existing research on the effect of diet, smoking, physical activity, air pollution, alcohol consumption and miscellaneous exposures on retinal microvasculature in healthy individuals and people at risk for cardiovascular disease. Data Sources: The databases PubMed, Web of Science, OVID were used as data sources and were last accessed September 12nd 2024. Study Selection: Peer-reviewed studies investigating the effect of any type of environmental exposure on retinal microvessel diameters in healthy individuals and people at risk for cardiovascular disease were included. Data Extraction: Relevant information and outcomes of 88 studies were extracted. Methodological quality was assessed using the NIH quality assessment tool. Data from each included study was extracted by two independent reviewers, while a third reviewer checked for consensus. Conclusions: Several dietary components, including numerous phytochemicals or fish oils have beneficial effects while other components (high glycemic index products, red meat) have deleterious effects on the retinal microvasculature. There was no unilateral association between smoking and CRAE nor CRVE. A decrease in retinal vessel diameters is induced by isometric exercise, whereas endurance exercise causes increased diameters. Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) exposure induces decreases in CRAE and CRVE. Further research is necessary to attain scientific consensus on the effects of alcohol consumption on the retinal microvasculature.  

Content Details:-

Corresponding author: Simone G Van Breda*

Full Length Article: Effect of Different Environmental Exposures on Retinal Arteriolar and Venular Diameters in Healthy Individuals and Those with Increased Cardiovascular Risk: A Systematic Review

Journal: Journal of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

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