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.
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 follow-ups 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.
In adults, artificial intelligence applications focus on detecting and classifying high myopia, pathologic myopia, and related complications using fundus photographs and optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. Some deep learning models even outperform human experts, showcasing the potential for these algorithms to replace human graders in specific tasks.
Additionally, machine learning models predict refractive errors, surgical outcomes, or complications of corneal and intraocular refractive surgery, offering valuable preoperative assessment tools.
Advancements in artificial intelligence technology
Beyond Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning, emerging artificial intelligence technologies like multimodal artificial intelligence models, explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI), automated Machine Learning (AutoML), Federated Learning (FL), blockchain, and synthetic artificial intelligence technology play pivotal roles. Multimodal artificial intelligence models, integrating fundus photographs and clinical variables, demonstrate accurate predictions of high myopia development in children. XAI addresses the lack of explainability, crucial for real-world implementation, while AutoML streamlines the application of machine learning techniques without requiring extensive coding expertise.
Federated learning, a distributed Machine Learning approach preserving data privacy, finds success in ophthalmology for multicentre collaboration, such as in retinopathy of prematurity classification. Blockchain technology ensures secure, decentralized data management, overcoming privacy concerns during cross-institutional data transfer. Generative adversarial networks (GANs) enhance training datasets in ophthalmology, synthesizing images for improved classification and diagnosis, all while preserving patient identification.
Digital solutions revolutionizing myopia management
The convergence of digital and telecommunications technologies opens unprecedented opportunities for telehealth and digital innovations in ophthalmology.
Digital health components, including artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, electronic health records, mobile health (mHealth), wearables, and virtual reality or augmented reality tools, complement each other, revolutionizing patient-centered care.
Digital therapeutics: A promising frontier
Digital therapeutics, utilizing evidence-based software interventions, offers innovative treatment strategies for childhood myopia control. Software algorithms like SAT-001 modulate neuronal-humoral factors, presenting potential treatment avenues beyond traditional methods. As these products advance through research and development, they hold promise for addressing myopia challenges.
Self-monitoring devices and applications
Self-monitoring devices and applications provide objective refractive error measurements comparable to traditional methods. Web-based tests measuring visual acuity and refractive errors offer individualized, frequent monitoring, contributing to a growing database for precision medicine in myopia.
Virtual and augmented reality: Exploring new dimensions
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies explore novel approaches to myopia control. Virtual reality devices, simulating environmental conditions, propose maintaining peripheral defocus or simulating outdoor environments for myopia control.
Augmented reality-based optical systems with peripheral defocus emerge as innovative interventions, with ongoing studies investigating their impact on myopia progression in young adults.
Wearable devices for myopia control
Wearable devices designed for myopia control, detect activity and light intensity exposure, aiding in monitoring children at risk of myopia. Studies indicate that these devices could potentially encourage healthier behaviors, such as increased exposure to light intensity and modified near-work activities, contributing to myopia management.
Technological advancements are poised to play a crucial role in alleviating the global rise of myopia by enabling earlier detection, improving treatment efficacy, and supporting preventative measures. These innovations range from sophisticated diagnostic tools to personalized management solutions and innovative environmental modifications.
When technology plays a crucial role in myopia control, lifestyle modifications are equally important. Increasing outdoor time, limiting screen time, and ensuring good lighting can all contribute to slowing the progression of myopia.
Conclusion
Myopia is a refractive error where distant objects appear blurry and it is typically developing in childhood. Left unaddressed, myopia can progress over time and increase the risk of other eye conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal issues. As myopia continues its alarming ascent, technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence and digital health, offer unprecedented tools to confront this global health challenge. From early detection and prediction to innovative treatment modalities, the future of myopia management lies at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and compassionate care.
The collaborative efforts of researchers, healthcare professionals, and technology pioneers will shape a future where myopia is not just managed but effectively mitigated, ensuring a clearer vision for generations to come.
The global myopia control is rapidly evolving, and myopia or nearsightedness is one of the most common vision issues in across the globe, particularly among children. With the number of people affected by myopia rising globally, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest advancements in managing this disorder or condition.
(The author is with Entod Pharmaceuticals) |