Objective:

To investigate the association between retinal morphologic features and the risk of incident depression and anxiety disorders in UK Biobank participants.

Approach:

Key Findings:

• Greater ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness associated with an 8% lower likelihood of incident depression.
• Greater macular thickness associated with a 9% lower likelihood of incident depression.
• Participants in the highest quartile of GCIPL thickness had a 17% lower risk of depression compared to the lowest quartile.
• Participants in the highest quartile of macular thickness had a 24% lower risk of depression compared to the lowest quartile.
• No independent association found between retinal features and incident anxiety disorders.

Interpretation:

Thinner GCIPL and macular thickness were independently associated with increased risk of depression, particularly in females.

Limitations:

• Observational study design limits the ability to establish causality.
• Depression and anxiety diagnoses may underestimate true incidence due to reliance on hospital records.
• Predominantly White UK Biobank population may limit generalizability.

Conclusion:

The study does not establish causation.

Sources:

• BMC Medicine
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