Artificial Intelligence in Ophthalmology

Abstract

This is the era of Artificial intelligence (AI) and it is rapidly taking control of all spheres of life including medicine and healthcare. Ophthalmology is one of the departments of medicine that makes best use of cutting edge technologies. It is, therefore, no surprise that AI has shown tremendous potential to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of ophthalmic diagnostics, treatment, and research by employing advancements in software and computer based algorithms.
One of the most significant applications of AI in ophthalmology is in the field of image analysis. Imaging techniques such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and fundus photography are routinely used in diagnosis, management, and follow up of disorders like diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma. We can utilize AI algorithms to analyze these images and provide accurate and precise measurements of various parameters, such as thickness of different layers of retina, macular area, optic disc contours, and cup-to-disc ratio. This can help ophthalmologists not only in the early detection of eye diseases and enable timely interventions but also provide guidelines for prognosis and follow up.