Google, Verily’s Uses AI to Screen for Diabetic Retinopathy
Reporter : Irina Robu, PhD
Google and Verily, the life science research organization under Alphabet designed a machine learning algorithm to better screen for diabetes and associated eye diseases. Google and Verily believe the algorithm can be beneficial in areas lacking optometrists.
The algorithm is being integrated for the first time in a clinical setting at Aravind Eye Hospital in Madurai, India where it is designed to screen for diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. After a patient is imaged by trained staff using a fundus camera, the image is uploaded to the screening algorithm through management software. The algorithm then analyzes the images for the diabetic eye diseases before returning the results.
Numerous AI-driven approaches have lately been effective in detecting diabetic retinopathy with high accuracy. An AI-based grading system was able to effectively diagnose two patients with the disease. Furthermore, an AI-driven approach for detecting an early sign of diabetic retinopathy attained an accuracy rate of more than 98 percent.
According to the R. Usha Kim, Chief of retina services at the Aravind Eye Hospital the algorithm permits physicians to work closely with patients on treatment and management of their disease, whereas increasing the volume of screenings we can perform. Automated grading of diabetic retinopathy has possible benefits such as increasing efficiency, reproducible, and coverage of screening programs and improving patient outcomes by providing early detection and treatment.
Even if the technology sounds promising, current research show there are long way until it can directly transfer from the lab into clinic.
SOURCE
https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/google-verily-using-ai-screen-diabetic-retinopathy-india