It seems like almost daily we hear about new breakthroughs in AI technology. It’s no surprise that we are already seeing the transformative potential AI has in vision care. Here are our top takeaways:
Optometry: Improving early detection and enhancing personalization
From routine exams to treatment processes, AI is revolutionizing the field of Optometry.
Optometrists will begin to detect eye conditions with unparalleled accuracy and efficiency by leveraging tools and technologies that utilize algorithms and machine learning models. These AI-powered systems can be used to help screen, diagnose and monitor eye disesases.1
Beyond diagnosis, AI also allows optometrists to forecast the progression of eye diseases and create individualized treatment plans. Recent advances in automated diabetic retinopathy detection using artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms provide patients with increased opportunities for care. This level of personalization means that conditions like diabetic retinopathy can be addressed in their earliest stages and prevent vision impairment.2
Ophthalmology: Driving better patient outcomes
In ophthalmology, AI is introducing unprecedented levels of surgical planning to post-operative care.3 AI also assists in surgical decision-making by identifying risks in real-time and supporting postoperative care with personalized recovery plans. This dual role of AI not only streamlines surgical procedures but also aims to improve the triage pathway and patient recovery times.4
Exploring the brain-vision connection
The retina is a direct extension of the brain, serving as a window into a patient’s neurological health. AI algorithms have the capability to analyze retinal images to detect subtle changes indicative of several neurological diseases, long before traditional symptoms manifest.5 In fact, AI-driven analysis of retinal images is continually improving in accuracy for predicting Alzheimer's disease and may soon offer a non-invasive tool for early detection.6 With the help of AI, routine eye exams could become a cornerstone of neurological health, facilitating early detection and intervention for a wide range of conditions.7
Ethical considerations and future challenges
While AI offers tremendous potential to enhance patient care and streamline operations, it also raises important ethical considerations that need to be addressed.8 These considerations include data privacy and security, algorithmic bias and fairness, and transparency and accountability. Active engagement with patients, healthcare providers, policymakers, and the wider community is vital to shape a future where AI-driven vision care improves health outcomes while upholding the highest ethical standards.
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We’re here to help you better understand all the ways AI is revolutionizing the vision industry. Speak with your EyeMed account representative to learn more or visit eyed.com.
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1 “Artificial Intelligence in Eye Disease: Recent Developments, Applications, and Surveys”; National Library of Medicine; ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; August 10, 2022.
2 “Pivotal Evaluation of an Artificial Intelligence System for Autonomous Detection of Referrable and Vision-Threatening Diabetic Retinopathy”; National Library of Medicine; ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; November 15, 2021.
3 “Artificial Intelligence in Ophthalmic Surgery: Current Applications and Expectations”; National Library of Medicine; ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; November 20, 2023.
4 “Evolution and Applications of Artificial Intelligence to Cataract Surgery”; American Academy of Ophthalmology; ophthalmologyscience.org; April 25, 2022.
5 “Applications of artificial intelligence-assisted retinal imaging in systemic diseases: A literature review”; National Library of Medicine; ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; October 19, 2023.
6 “A deep learning model for detection of Alzheimer’s disease based on retinal photographs: a retrospective, multicentre case-control study; The Lancet; thelancet.com; September 30, 2022.
7 “AI Revolution: Artificial Intelligence ushers in a new era of eyecare”; Stanford Medicine; med.stanford.edu; December 2023.
8 “The Ethical and Societal Considerations for the Rise of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data in Ophthalmology”; National Library of Medicine; ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; June 28, 2022
