Application of Deep Learning for Diagnosing, Classifying, and Treating Age-Related Macular Degeneration

ABSTRACT

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects nearly 200 million people and is the third leading cause of irreversible vision loss worldwide. Deep learning, a branch of artificial intelligence that can learn image recognition based on pre-existing datasets, creates an opportunity for more accurate and efficient diagnosis, classification, and treatment of AMD on both individual and population levels. Current algorithms based on fundus photography and optical coherence tomography imaging have already achieved diagnostic accuracy levels comparable to human graders. This accuracy can be further increased when deep learning algorithms are simultaneously applied to multiple diagnostic imaging modalities. Combined with advances in telemedicine and imaging technology, deep learning can enable large populations of patients to be screened than would otherwise be possible and allow ophthalmologists to focus on seeing those patients who are in need of treatment, thus reducing the number of patients with significant visual impairment from AMD.

KEYWORDS:

• Artificial intelligence
• deep learning
• age-related macular degeneration

CONCLUSION

Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss worldwide with a growing number of people being affected. Deep learning creates an opportunity for more accurate and efficient management of AMD on both individual and population levels. When sufficiently large training datasets are used, deep learning algorithms have achieved diagnostic accuracy levels comparable to human graders. Application of deep learning to AMD also enables the use of multimodal diagnostic testing, further improving the diagnostic yield. Combined with advances in telemedicine and imaging technology, deep learning can enable large populations of patients to be screened than would otherwise be possible and allow ophthalmologists to focus on seeing those patients who are in need of treatment, thus reducing the number of patients with significant visual impairment from AMD.

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

None