Faculty Sponsor

Jana Stedman

College

College of Nursing & Health Professions (CONHP)

Department/Program

Masters of Physician Assistant Studies

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Summer 7-23-2025

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluates the potential use of retinal imaging as a screening tool for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Since CKD is often caused by systemic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, the microvascular damage found in the kidneys may also appear in the retina. This research explores whether retinal microvascular changes correlate with CKD indicators, potentially offering a non-invasive alternative or adjunct to traditional laboratory screening.

Methods: A structured literature search was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE with full text, and Google Scholar. Search terms included combinations of "Retinal Imaging," "Retinopathy," "CKD," and "Risk." PubMed yielded 39 results for "Retinal Imaging" AND "CKD," and 197 for "Retinopathy" AND "CKD." MEDLINE produced 7 and 193 results for related terms, and Google Scholar returned over 30,000 combined hits. Inclusion criteria limited studies to adults without prior CKD; those with diagnosed CKD were excluded. Primary outcomes included CKD risk, prevalence, incidence, and renal function impairment.

Results: Multiple studies found correlations between retinal vascular changes and CKD, particularly between decreasing eGFR and retinal vessel alterations. However, inconsistent methodologies, imaging models, and definitions limited generalizability. Other renal markers such as serum creatinine and albumin-to-creatinine ratios showed variable correlations.

Conclusion: Retinal imaging shows promise as a non-invasive adjunct in CKD screening. Although not yet viable as a standalone method, it may help guide further research in at-risk patients. Larger, more standardized studies are needed to confirm its clinical utility.

Keywords: retinal imaging, chronic kidney disease, microvascular changes, eGFR, non-invasive screening, retinopathy

Biographical Information about Author(s)

Evan Minger has an interest in Emergency Medicine, and he will be working in the Emergency Department at Methodist Hospital in both Gary and Merrillville following graduation. Evan was inspired to research the topic of "Retinal Imaging as an Innovative Modality for CKD Screening" because he has a special interest in nephrology and its innovative advances, as well as having completed an elective clinical rotation in Nephrology.

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