Evidence for the Hepato-Retinal Axis: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background and Objective: Liver health has been reported to be associated with retinal pathology in various ways. These include deposition of retino-toxins, neovascular drive, and disruption of the blood-retina barrier. Extrahepatic synthesis of implicated molecules and hemodynamic changes in liver dysfunction are also considered. The objective was to review the current evidence for and against a hepato-retinal axis that may guide further areas of preclinical and clinical investigation. Methods: This was a systematic review. PubMed and Cochrane were queried for English language studies examining the connection between hepatic dysfunction and retinal pathology. Results: Fourteen studies were included and examined out of 604 candidate publications. The studies selected include preclinical studies as well as clinical case series and studies. Conclusions: Several liver pathologies may be linked to retinal pathology as mediated by hepatically synthesized molecules. The hepato-retinal axis may be present and further, targeted studies of the axis are warranted. [ Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:XX–XX.]