ORLANDO, Fl. – Every three seconds, someone develops dementia. Catching the disease early is key, and researchers say they may one day be able to predict the disease by looking at a person’s eyes.

“A lot of people often refer to the eye as the window to the body, and what it really is, is that the eye is the window to the brain,” said Dr. Cecilia Lee, ophthalmologist at University of Washington School of Medicine. 

After studying data on more than 3,900 participants, Dr. Lee and her colleagues found that people with diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and macular degeneration had about a 40 percent higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

“All of those three conditions affect a different part of the retina which is connected to the brain,” explained Dr. Lee.

Another recent study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that people with untreated visual impairments were significantly more likely to develop dementia.

Experts say other research suggests a link between hearing loss and dementia risk.

In a new study published in the Lancet, researchers found giving older people hearing aids could cut the risk of cognitive decline in half. While more research is needed to learn exactly how seeing and hearing are linked to dementia, experts say keeping your eyes and your ears healthy may also benefit your brain.

The American Optometric Association recommends annual comprehensive eye exams for all adults over age 65.