Eye test uses AI to predict macular degeneration

A new eye test that uses artificial intelligence AI to study retina scans can predict age-related macular degeneration (AMD) three years before symptoms start. The first part of the'pioneering' test, developed by researchers at University College London, is called DARC. DARC involves injecting dye into a person's bloodstream to illuminate'stressed' endothelial cells in the retina, so they appear bright white under a fluorescent camera. These'stressed' retinal cells could lead to abnormalities and later leaking blood vessels – causing AMD, which can severely compromise the central field of vision. The second part of the test uses an AI algorithm, trained to detect whether the highlighted white spots are around the macula – which indicates high AMD risk.