AI system allows accurate retinopathy diagnosis by non-ophthalmologists

Accurate, automated retinal screening is an important development for the millions of diabetic patients who require annual examination for sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy. New research, presented at the 123rd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (12–15 October 2019, CA, USA) – demonstrates that an automated, artificial intelligence (AI) screening system can detect diabetic retinopathy with more than 95% accuracy. Approximately 25% of diabetic individuals in the USA will develop retinopathy. Initially, such retinal damage may be asymptomatic, but can ultimately lead to blindness. There are various options available for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy, however, early diagnosis significantly improves treatment effectiveness.