It is clear that early life events influence subsequent risk of cardiovascular disease, but the mechanisms involved remain obscure. This proposal will investigate the impact of low birth weight and postnatal growth patterns on the microvasculature of the retina in a birth cohort of children followed over the first 12 years of life. Measurements of retinal microvascular abnormalities will be made using digitally acquired retinal images analysed by an extensively validated semi-automated analysis system. The results of this study will provide novel insights into possible mechanisms linking early life events with future risk of hypertension, cardiovascular disease and diabetes and may contribute to development of appropriate early treatment and intervention