Smartphone snaps could screen for short-sightedness in kids, thanks to AI

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2024-08-07 01:00

International

Image by Rudy and Peter Skitterians from Pixabay

AI could help diagnose short-sightedness and other eye conditions from pictures taken on a mobile phone, according to Chinese research. The researchers were able to use AI to accurately identify short-sightedness (myopia), crossed eyes (strabismus), and eyelid droop (ptosis) using only smartphone images. The authors say this suggests that AI could be used to help families screen children using mobile phone photos taken at home which could help with the early identification of these conditions.

Media release

From: JAMA

AI for Early Detection of Pediatric Eye Diseases Using Mobile Photos

JAMA Network Open
Original Investigation

About JAMA Network Open: JAMA Network Open is an online-only open access general medical journal from the JAMA Network. On weekdays, the journal publishes peer-reviewed clinical research and commentary in more than 40 medical and health subject areas. Every article is free online from the day of publication.

About The Study: In this cross-sectional study, the artificial intelligence (AI) model demonstrated strong performance in accurately identifying myopia, strabismus, and ptosis using only smartphone images. These results suggest that such a model could facilitate the early detection of pediatric eye diseases in a convenient manner at home.

(doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.25124)

Editor’s Note: Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, conflict of interest and financial disclosures, and funding and support.

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Journal/
conference: JAMA Network Open

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China

Funder: This work was supported by grant No. 82371067 from the National Natural Science Foundation of China; grant No. 23S31900500 from the Shanghai Science and Technology Innovation Action Plan Biomedical Technology Support Special Project; grant No. CHDI-2022-DX-02 from the Target Commission of China Hospital Development Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine High Peak Plateau Double Hundred People Plan; Shanghai Rising Stars Young Medical Talents Cultivation Program; grant No. 20244Z0005 from Shanghai Municipal Commission of Health Excellence Research Program; and grant No. 1824026 from the Undergraduate Training Program on Innovation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine.

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