Cataract Surgery and Artificial Intelligence: How AI is Changing Eye Care

The use of AI in cataract surgery and overall eye care is being rolled out in many ways—some of which you may find surprising. The technology is giving ophthalmologists valuable tools that support all levels of care. These include diagnostics, monitoring, surgical procedures, patient interactions, and more. 

Everything You Need to Know about Artificial Intelligence in Ophthalmology

• Smart eye surgery technology
• The role of AI in challenging cataract surgery

Smart eye surgery technology

The use of AI in cataract surgery—indeed, in every area of eye care—isn’t just about using smart tech to help guide physical procedures. The use of the technology is far more all-encompassing…

Examples of how artificial intelligence in ophthalmology is being utilized include:

• Detection and diagnosis: AI tools are helping increase the efficiency and accuracy of diagnosis. The earlier disease is determined, the better, allowing for the best monitoring and treatment pathways to be instigated.
• Pre-operative assessments: Used alongside traditional methods, AI allows surgeons to better calculate the optimal requirements for the best intraocular lens (IOL).  This is a massive leap forward. In layman’s terms, this equals better post-op vision and increases the likelihood of reduced dependency on eyeglasses, especially in those who opt for premium IOLs.
• IOL placement: AI is used to map the interior of the eye with incredible accuracy. In turn, this leads to better placement of the IOL, thanks to providing real-time data during the procedure.
• Postoperative monitoring: Smart technology is being employed to analyze data in the weeks after a cataract removal. This plays an important role in predicting the healing pathway, as well as identifying and reducing the likelihood of potential post-op complications.

In addition, AI assistants/chatbots are being used to reduce the workload on healthcare professionals. Thanks to incredible advancements, they can provide pre- and post-op information and flag potential issues that require further investigation by the surgeon. This isn’t restricted to the field of cataracts—such technology is massively advantageous in every area of eye care.

The role of AI in challenging cataract surgery

While all cataract surgery is intricate, certain conditions make the procedure more challenging. This includes:

• Pediatric (genetic) cataracts.
• Traumatic cataracts.
• Early-onset cataracts.
• Cataracts in combination with other medical conditions, such as advanced diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, macular degeneration, etc.

One of the greatest benefits of AI is its ability to predict outcomes. Surgeons can use this data to hone their clinical expertise. The ability to follow different hypothetical pathways to determine the best is an incredible breakthrough—something that is especially crucial in higher-risk cases.

How surgeons adopt AI into cataract and other eye care is extremely exciting. The ultimate aim of all clinical procedures is to provide the best vision possible. As technology continues to advance, so too do the treatment options in a surgeon’s arsenal. Procedures that were once considered high-risk (or even impossible) are now becoming routine. By using AI and smart technology, surgeons can offer more and more options to their patients.

The benefits of this can’t be overstated. With vision probably being the most important of all the senses, this leap forward is probably as important a step forward for healthcare as the industrial revolution was to the field of manufacturing.

Want to Know More About AI in Cataract Surgery? Contact the Modern Cataract Surgery Clinic Today

Our clinic leads the way in the use of proven advanced technology—and that includes the use of AI in cataract surgery. Headed by one of the best cataract surgeons in the world, Dr. Brent Bellotte, we offer a one-stop shop for every element of eye care. From diagnosis through to the ultimate post-op monitoring, we provide some of the best visual care on the planet—and that includes the most challenging cataract cases.

Discover more at https://www.moderncataractsurgery.com/ 

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