Modeling the eye as a window on the body

Systemic pathologies such as diabetes and hypertension affect different organs and systems in the body. However, the first signs of these pathologies often emerge as alterations in visual and structural functions in the eye. As a consequence, the ophthalmologist is often the first physician to make a diagnosis of systemic diseases. In fact, the eye represents a unique organ where signs of systemic diseases may be assessed with non-invasive techniques.