A Novel AI Model Predicts Long-Term Visual Impairment Risk in High Myopia Patients.
A team of researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) has developed an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) model capable of forecasting the risk of long-term visual impairment in individuals grappling with high myopia. High myopia stands among the top three causes of irreversible blindness in various regions globally.
This specialized AI, utilizing machine learning, enables computers to enhance their capabilities by learning from information. Individuals with high myopia face challenges in seeing distant objects clearly but typically have clear vision for nearby objects. While corrective measures like glasses, contact lenses, or surgery can address their vision issues, severe myopia may lead to pathologic myopia, a significant cause of blindness.
The study, published in the JAMA Ophthalmology journal, involved 967 Japanese patients at TMDU’s Advanced Clinical Center for Myopia. The researchers collected data from eye checkups, incorporating factors such as age, current vision quality, and cornea size, resulting in a set of 34 details.
Various computer models were assessed for predicting visual problems over a 3 to 5-year period. The model based on logistic regression demonstrated superior performance in anticipating vision issues after 5 years. The researchers devised a visual tool, a nomogram, illustrating the significance of each factor in predicting vision loss.
By translating these factors into points, they established a final score indicating the risk of future visual impairment. Vision loss not only impacts an individual’s life but also leads to financial and physical challenges. Severe visual impairment was estimated to incur approximately USD 94.5 billion in global lost productivity in 2019.
While the AI model requires further testing on a larger cohort, this study underscores the potential of machine learning to address a crucial public health concern. This technological advancement could offer significant benefits to both individuals and society at large by preventing vision loss and mitigating associated challenges.
