Artificial intelligence is everywhere - from the news we read to the technology we use every day. And now, it's making its way into the eye doctor's office! With a shortage of eye specialists in many countries, AI promises faster and easier diagnostics. But can it really replace a classic visit to the eye doctor?
The technology is here! Autonomous AI-powered cameras like LumineticsCore can scan the retina and diagnose diabetic retinopathy (one of the most common problems in diabetics) in minutes—and without the need for a doctor in the room or dilating the pupils. The system has been approved by the FDA and is being used in multiple medical centers.
The same technology is being tested to detect other diseases. While AI is helping with diagnosis, chatbots like DocsBot or EyeGPT are being used by clinics to find answers to patients' most common questions.
Google's chatbots, Bard and Gemini, achieved a 71% accuracy on the ophthalmology exam, passing the threshold needed to be certified as eye specialists!
Advantages and limitations of AI in eye care
- For patients with diabetes, a quick test at the endocrinologist's office can avoid the need for frequent visits to the ophthalmologist.
- AI can help fill the shortage of eye doctors, especially in rural areas or marginalized communities.
- Chatbots can save medical staff time by answering basic patient questions.
However, there are also some limitations:
AI cannot replace a full eye exam for problems like myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. The technology cannot adjust a prescription for glasses or contact lenses. Chatbots can be biased. AI shows less than 2% of ophthalmologists are women, when in reality, they make up 27% of specialists in the US. Artificial intelligence requires a lot of energy consumption, and some experts say future models need to be more efficient to avoid negative impact on the environment.
So, will AI replace a visit to the eye doctor? Not yet. Although technology is improving healthcare, they are still irreplaceable for detailed diagnoses, treatment planning, and prescriptions.
Sources: Popsugar
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