A large new study using UK Biobank data has found that people who lead healthier lifestyles tend to have better retinal neurovascular health, including a lower risk of sight-threatening conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinal vascular occlusion (RVO).

The Chinese-Australian research, published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, analysed data from over 378,000 participants to examine associations between a healthy lifestyle score – based on physical activity, diet, sleep, smoking status, alcohol consumption and bodyweight – and various measures of retinal health. Imaging and hospital records were used to assess retinal structure and disease, while a new diagnostic paradigm researchers termed ‘INFLA’ characterised inflammation levels.

Participants with the highest lifestyle scores (5–6 out of 6) had a 29% lower risk of AMD and a 25% lower risk of RVO compared with those with the lowest scores (0–1). They also showed improvements in microvascular and neural markers, such as increased artery-to-vein ratio, thicker ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer and better photoreceptor integrity.

Importantly, lower systemic inflammation was found to partially mediate the link between healthy habits and improved retinal metrics.

The findings support the role of lifestyle-based interventions in preserving vision and preventing retinal diseases, said the researchers.