Scientists have utilized artificial intelligence (AI) to measure retinal thickness, enabling the early detection of various diseases.
A global team of researchers from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Australia developed highly detailed retinal maps using AI. By analyzing data from over 50,000 eyes, they discovered that changes in retinal thickness could be linked to diseases such as type 2 diabetes, dementia, cerebral vascular hardening, and other complex conditions.
The Retina as a Health Indicator
The retina, being part of the central nervous system, can reflect brain health issues, such as cerebral vascular hardening—similar to how mammography aids in detecting breast cancer.
The study’s authors emphasized AI's accuracy in analyzing large datasets, with the system measuring over 29,000 retinal points and identifying links between retinal thickness and 294 genes associated with disease development.
Advanced Imaging and Early Detection
By using high-resolution eye images, scientists detected minute retinal changes that had previously gone unnoticed. These changes could help doctors diagnose diseases more quickly and accurately. This approach could revolutionize routine eye exams, making them not just a tool for eye disease diagnosis, but also for detecting neurological and systemic diseases.
Dr. Wei Jackson, one of the study’s authors, stated:اضافة اعلان
"Our research confirms that changes in retinal thickness could be a key factor in the early detection and monitoring of various diseases."
