New article: Artificial intelligence shows potential to fight blindness read more at here http://www.spinonews.com/index.php/medical-news/item/3372-artificial-intelligence-shows-potential-to-fight-blindness

The researchers explained deep-learning methods to create an automated algorithm to detect diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that damages the blood vessels at the back of the eye, potentially causing blindness.

Another advantage is that the algorithm does not require any specialized or costly computer equipment to analyze images. It can be run on a common personal computer or smartphone with average processors. Deep learning methods is on the rise in computer science and medicine because it can teach computers to do what our brains do naturally. Researchers was to create an algorithm based on more than 75,000 images different type of patients representing common problems and then used it to teach a computer to identify between healthy patients and those with any stage of disease, from mild to severe.

[Four Types of Human Blood Cells Discovered]

Deep learning algorithm could identify all disease stages, from mild to severe, with an accuracy rate of 94 percent. It would be these patients that should see an ophthalmologist for further examination. About 45 percent of diabetic patients are likely to have diabetic retinopathy at some point in their life; however, fewer than half of patients are aware of their condition. Early detection and treatment can prevent the possibilities of blindness.

Ophthalmologists typically diagnose the presence and severity of diabetic retinopathy by direct examination of the back of the eye and by evaluation of color photographs of the fundus, part of the eyeball opposite the pupil. Given the large number of diabetes patients globally, this process is expensive and time-consuming and automated algorithm could potentially reduce the rate of worldwide blindness.