AI tool could reduce childhood blindness

A study led by researchers at Moorfields Eye Hospital and University College London found an artificial intelligence (AI) tool could be an effective way of identifying retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).  

A deep learning AI model was developed using a sample of 7,414 images of the eyes of 1,370 newborns from an ethnically and socio-economically diverse community in London.  

It was then used to screen and identify which at-risk children have ROP, which could lead to blindness if left untreated. 

Researchers hoped the technique could improve access to screening in areas with limited neonatal services and few trained ophthalmologists.  

Lead author Dr Konstantinos Balaskas said: ‘Retinopathy of prematurity is becoming increasingly common as survival rates of premature babies improve across the globe, and it is now the leading cause of childhood blindness in middle-income countries and in the US.’