Artificial intelligence 6: Machine learning in lens design

Artificial intelligence (AI) has many different applications within the ophthalmic industry and has become somewhat of a buzzword in recent times. While lens designs using AI have been in the market for several years, they are beginning to increase in number. This article introduces current and future AI technologies and shows how they could be used in the lens design process.

AI can be classified as either ‘weak’ or ‘strong’. Weak AI systems (also termed narrow AI or artificial narrow intelligence) are those that are focused on performing specific tasks and benefit us by automating tasks and analysing data.¹ This is the type of AI currently in use and has led to the development of systems that are used in applications such as: