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AI enables rapid detection of retinal diseases using OCT images, improving care and optimizing ophthalmology resources
Artificial intelligence (AI) is already an ally in ophthalmology, enabling faster and more accurate detection of retinal diseases. In a recent episode of the AiHeroes podcast, ophthalmologists Claudia Acosta and Carolina Sardi shared how, in collaboration with Arkangel AI, they have implemented AI in their daily work. By using algorithms designed to analyze optical coherence tomography (OCT) images, they have been able to more precisely identify retinal pathologies that require urgent treatment.
Thanks to Arkangel AI technology, artificial intelligence in ophthalmology has allowed for the rapid identification of patients needing anti-angiogenic therapy, which is essential to avoid complications such as permanent vision loss. Before implementing AI, this detection process could take months. Now, with the help of Arkangel AI, it can be done in a matter of seconds, significantly improving the quality of care for patients.
A key aspect of the collaboration with Arkangel AI in ophthalmology is its ability to work with OCT images. These images provide a detailed view of the back of the eye, facilitating the detection of any retinal abnormalities. The challenge, as Claudia and Carolina explain, is that a retina specialist is not always available to review these images in real-time, which can delay critical decision-making and, in some cases, compromise timely patient treatment.
With Arkangel AI technology, AI acts as an assistant by analyzing OCT images and prioritizing patients who require immediate attention. This allows specialists to focus on the most urgent cases without having to manually review every image, optimizing their time and resources.
Another important aspect highlighted by Claudia and Carolina is how the AI developed by Arkangel AI can improve access to retinal disease detection in rural or hard-to-reach areas. In many countries, the number of retina specialists is limited, meaning patients often have to wait months for care. Arkangel AI technology can help reduce these wait times by quickly analyzing images and determining which patients need immediate treatment.
In the podcast episode, it was mentioned that in Colombia there are only between 150 and 200 retina specialists to serve the entire population. With the implementation of Arkangel AI’s artificial intelligence, professionals can extend eye disease detection to more people without requiring a retina specialist to be present at all times. This could have a significant impact on the visual health of rural communities.
The use of artificial intelligence developed by Arkangel AI has not only improved the speed of detecting retinal diseases but also the accuracy of these analyses. During the podcast, Claudia and Carolina shared that, by developing the algorithm to analyze retina images with Arkangel AI, they achieved specificity and sensitivity rates above 90%. This means that AI is able to correctly identify which patients need treatment with a very low margin of error.
What is most surprising is that this level of accuracy is even higher than that of trained retina specialists who manually analyze the images. The specificity of the algorithm is particularly valuable as it reliably rules out patients who do not require treatment, making Arkangel AI’s artificial intelligence an ideal tool for screening, as it quickly identifies patients in need of attention while avoiding unnecessary interventions for others.
Despite the positive results, Claudia and Carolina also shared some challenges they faced when implementing this technology with Arkangel AI. One of the biggest challenges was publishing their work in scientific journals. Editors demanded large volumes of data to validate the use of artificial intelligence in retinal disease detection. Although their results were accurate with fewer images, the prevailing mindset at the time was that thousands of images were needed to train an AI algorithm effectively.
However, over time, this approach has changed. Today, advances in AI show that effective results can be achieved with fewer data, as long as the quality of the data is high. This highlights the importance of feeding algorithms with precise and relevant information to ensure that Arkangel AI’s artificial intelligence works optimally.
Claudia and Carolina are optimistic about the future of AI in ophthalmology, especially thanks to their collaboration with Arkangel AI. As the technology continues to advance, they expect more clinics and hospitals to adopt AI-based tools to improve the detection of eye diseases. One particularly exciting aspect is the possibility that portable optical coherence tomography (OCT) devices will become more accessible.
These devices, combined with Arkangel AI’s artificial intelligence, could bring eye disease detection to areas where access to specialists is limited. In the future, Claudia and Carolina envision a scenario where people can take an OCT image in a rural clinic or even a supermarket, with AI analyzing the image in real-time and alerting a specialist only if necessary.
In addition to improving access, Arkangel AI’s artificial intelligence has the potential to make the healthcare system more efficient. By reducing the time retina specialists need to manually analyze each OCT image, AI allows them to focus on the more complex and urgent cases. This not only improves the quality of care for patients but also optimizes the use of medical resources.
Claudia and Carolina emphasize that the AI developed with Arkangel AI will not replace doctors but will act as a tool that enhances their capabilities. By enabling them to work more efficiently, doctors can devote more time to patients who truly need their attention.
Artificial intelligence is changing the way retinal diseases are detected, offering a quick and accurate solution to improve healthcare. Through the use of algorithms that analyze OCT images, ophthalmologists Claudia Acosta and Carolina Sardi are leading the way in adopting this technology in their field.
With the ability to improve access to ophthalmological care in rural areas and optimize resources in the healthcare system, artificial intelligence has a promising future in ophthalmology. As this technology continues to develop, we are likely to see more advancements driven by companies like Arkangel AI that benefit both doctors and patients.
Want to hear the full conversation? Check it out here: https://youtu.be/dToFYBcXVG8?si=ZleUbSNR5Ox4p-2m
