How technology advancements can help alleviate myopia rise

MYOPIA is a widespread vision issue affecting over two billion individuals across the globe and it at present growing public health challenge. With an estimated 161 million people experiencing blindness or moderate-to-severe vision loss from uncorrected refractive errors in 2020 and it has become a leading cause of vision impairment.

- Nikkhil K Masurkar

The numbers are staggering and the trajectory suggests that by 2050, almost half of the projected global population will be affected by myopia, and posing a substantial burden on health services.

Threat of high myopia and pathologic complications

High myopia and its associated pathologic complications, such as glaucoma, retinal detachment, myopic maculopathy, and macular choroidal neovascularization (CNV), are major contributors to irreversible visual impairment. Early identification of children at risk and regular followups are essential for early intervention to mitigate the potential risk of irreversible blindness. However, the growing burden of myopia strains current healthcare resources, necessitating innovative solutions.

Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence

The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology provides a ray of hope in addressing the global myopia epidemic.

Groundbreaking innovative development in myopia control is the integration of artificial intelligence into eye care. Artificial intelligence algorithms are being used to predict the progression of myopia and identify the most effective treatments for individual patients.

In children, artificial intelligence applications encompass detection, prediction, and treatment. Deep Learning (DL) models analyzing ocular appearance images offer large-scale myopia screening, potentially alleviating the burdens imposed by myopia. Machine Learning (ML) models, considering baseline demographics and clinical variables, demonstrate robust performance in predicting childhood myopia progression and the onset of high myopia in adulthood.