How Artificial Intelligence Is Changing Eye Care

Artificial intelligence is emerging in various areas of life, including healthcare. For instance, AI can help analyze medical imaging and predict health risks. Eye health is no exception.

It may seem that artificial intelligence is everywhere these days. Some people may wonder if it will replace healthcare providers in the future. However, the answer is no. 
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AI has the potential to assist eye doctors. It is an emerging tool that may improve how certain eye conditions are identified and possibly monitored, but AI has limits and does not replace the human connection and interaction between a healthcare provider and patient. 

Continue reading for a discussion of the role of artificial intelligence in eye care, its potential and limitations, and how the expertise of an eye doctor is irreplaceable. 
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What is artificial intelligence in eye care? 

Artificial intelligence involves computer technology and systems that are trained to analyze large amounts of data, identify patterns, and perform tasks that usually require humans. 

In healthcare, artificial intelligence can help in several ways, including administrative tasks and patient care. AI can analyze medical imaging scans to help detect diseases earlier. For eye care specifically, AI may assist in evaluating retinal images, optical coherence scans, and other subtle changes associated with eye conditions. 
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According to a research paper published in the Journal of Ophthalmic and Vision Research, AI may improve ophthalmic imaging by reducing image artifacts and enhancing overall image quality.

How AI may help detect eye conditions 

Researchers continue to determine how AI may help detect eye diseases at their earliest stages. Some ways AI may be useful include the following: 

• Assist with glaucoma monitoring: Glaucoma causes a gradual decrease in peripheral vision. AI can analyze field tests and optic nerve images to help eye doctors monitor progression. 
• Help detect macular degeneration: AI can identify changes in the macula that may suggest age-related macular degeneration, helping eye doctors recognize early disease and monitor progression.
• Compare medical images over time: AI may help identify subtle changes in imaging that could be hard to spot. This may help patients receive further evaluation sooner.
• Support decision-making: AI can highlight changes or suspicious findings on scans and alert the eye doctor, providing an additional layer of support, but the final diagnosis and treatment are always made by the eye doctor. 

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Artificial intelligence has limits

With all the attention artificial intelligence continues to get, it is helpful to understand that the need for human intelligence remains. 

Although AI is an exciting advancement, it also has limitations. Below is more information on what artificial intelligence can’t do. 

• It cannot replace conversations you have with your eye doctor about visual concerns.
• It cannot evaluate how other health conditions are affecting your eyes. 
• It cannot replace the human empathy and interaction you have with an eye doctor. 
• It cannot perform a comprehensive eye exam. 
• It cannot replace the clinical judgment and experience of an eye doctor.

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The human connection 

Artificial intelligence is designed to support healthcare professionals, such as eye doctors, not to replace them. 

AI cannot mimic the relationship between a patient and their eye doctor. Eye doctors do more than provide a diagnosis. They explain treatments, answer questions, and provide personal recommendations. This requires strong communication, clinical judgment, and compassion, which is why human expertise remains essential.

The bottom line is that AI may continue to grow and be a helpful part of supporting high-quality patient eye care, but it cannot replace skilled eyecare professionals. In the future, eyecare will likely rely on a combination of technology and medical professionals. 

Lastly, nothing replaces the need for comprehensive eye exams to detect eye diseases early. If you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our eye doctors, please call our office at 508-746-8600.