Seeing the magic of AI applications in ophthalmology

Seeing the magic of AI applications in ophthalmology

Subject: Science and Tech

Section: Awareness in IT

About AI

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science that focuses on creating computer systems and software that can perform tasks like problem-solving, learning, reasoning, understanding natural language, and perceiving the environment.
• The aim of AI is to develop systems that can mimic and replicate various aspects of human intelligence or cognitive functions, and thereby automate and enhance processes, make predictions, assist in decision-making, and improve the efficiency and capabilities of systems and devices.

AI in Medicine

• AI can analyze data from sensors and predict when equipment or machinery will require maintenance, reducing downtime.
• AI can be used, with machine learning, to analyze and interpret images and videos, making it useful in reading and coming up with interpretations of scans and other diagnostics.
• Already, robotics has been employed in precision surgery, with good outcomes, and faster recovery periods.

AI in ophthalmology 

• AI has made significant advancements in the field of ophthalmology, offering a range of potential applications that can improve patient care and enhance the efficiency of eye disease diagnosis and treatment.
• Retinal disease diagnosis: AI algorithms can analyse retinal images, such as fundus photographs and optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans, to detect and classify various retinal diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and glaucoma. These AI systems can help identify diseases at an early stage, allowing for timely treatment and reducing the risk of vision loss.
• Automated screening: AI-powered screening programmes can assist in the early identification of eye diseases by analysing large datasets of retinal images. This can be particularly useful in regions with limited access to ophthalmologists, and in mobile medical camps.
• Glaucoma diagnosis and management: AI can aid in monitoring glaucoma progression by analysing visual field tests and OCT scans. It helps ophthalmologists in making more informed decisions about the treatment and management of glaucoma patients.
• Customized treatment plans: AI can recommend personalised treatment plans for patients with conditions like AMD. By analyzing patient data and clinical information, AI can assist in tailoring treatment strategies to maximize effectiveness. Already, AI is also being used regularly by ophthalmologists in surgical assistance. During eye surgeries, AI can provide real-time guidance to surgeons by tracking eye movements, enhancing precision, and reducing the risk of complications. AI is also used to diagnose and stage Retinopathy of Prematurity(ROP) , a blinding disease affecting premature and low birth weight babies and in telemedicine.
• AI is also being used to discover new drugs for ophthalmic conditions by analysing vast datasets to identify potential therapeutic targets and compounds and in predicting whether individuals may develop eye diseases, based on their health records, lifestyle factors, and genetic data.
• Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) are commonly used for image-based ophthalmic applications. The model has to be taught to recognise patterns and make predictions based on the provided data. It is fine-tuned using the validation dataset and parameters are adjusted as needed until it reaches an acceptable level of performance.

Smart vision glasses: These glasses incorporate a combination of hardware, software, and artificial intelligence (AI) to provide a range of features aimed at improving the visual experience for those with vision challenges. Smart glasses are equipped with cameras and sensors to capture the user’s surroundings. Advanced image recognition algorithms and AI are employed to identify and describe objects, text, people, and more within the wearer’s field of vision. This information is then conveyed to the user, often through audio feedback. Smart glasses can also convert printed text into audible speech, allowing users to “read” signs, documents, labels, and other text-based cont