New Delhi: The digital revolution in healthcare truly shines its light with the significant changes seen particularly in eye care. With Artificial Intelligence (AI) incorporated into eye healthcare, we aren’t just faster, but also revolutionary in managing vision.
Dr Saptagirish, HoD Orbit and Oculoplastics, Dean, Sankara Eye Hospital, Bangalore, said, “AI-powered diagnostic tools have significantly enhanced the accuracy and efficiency of eye examinations. It has gone from discovering eye conditions early to customising treatments, all thanks to the union of cutting edge tech and health services.”
This not only aids in the early detection of eye conditions but also ensures that every individual in rural areas receive the same standard of care as their urban counterparts by helping them to detect preventable blindness at an early stage.
AI in eye healthcare detects Diabetic Retinopathy by analysing retinal images for signs of the condition. Through advanced algorithms, AI can identify microaneurysms, hemorrhages, and other diabetic retinopathy indicators with high accuracy, enabling early detection and intervention, crucial for preventing vision loss in diabetic patients.
AI can diagnose diabetic retinopathy with more than 95 per cent accuracy. AI is also helping in detecting children with early refractive errors. The importance of early detection of refractive errors helps in intervention to prevent or minimise amblyopia (lazy eyes).
Telemedicine and distant diagnostics will help people from any corner of the country get expert advice and fast treatment in no time. Moreover, AI algorithms are continuously learning and adapting, ensuring that diagnostic accuracy improves over time.
“In this era of digitalisation, the revolution in eye treatment exemplifies the immense potential of AI and other technologies to bridge the eye healthcare divide, making quality eye care accessible to all, regardless of geographical constraints,” the expert added.
The journey from traditional methods to enhanced digitalisation in eye care is not just a technological leap; it’s a leap towards a future where eye healthcare is not just a service but a fundamental right for every individual. The focus on health infra in rural areas will certainly bring the entire network of digitisation under one umbrella.
