Artificial Intelligence can Detect Diabetic Retinopathy

A simple 10 minute test conducted by your eye care provider can detect diabetic retinopathy. The diagnostic test uses Artificial Intelligence to look for signs of diabetic retinopathy. The IDx-DR system was approved last year by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Early detection of diabetic retinopathy helps to prevent irreversible damage from being done and treatment can be successful in preventing the disease from progressing. 

The test involves the patient sitting in the dark for two minutes, which allows their eyes to dilate naturally. The technician then uses a robotic camera to take two images of the eye, which are then analyzed by an IDx algorithm to determine if there is any evidence of diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetics should have their eyes checked yearly to look for signs of diabetic retinopathy, which is caused by damage to the blood vessels at the back of the eye. Floaters, blurriness and dark areas of vision can all be early indicators of diabetic retinopathy and poorly controlled blood sugar is a risk factor.