AI-powered camera diagnosing retinopathy
In recent medical advancements, UK HealthCare’s Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center has taken a pioneering leap towards enhancing patient care. The health institution has introduced a revolutionary camera utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to detect retinopathy among diabetic patients. This sophisticated piece of equipment is currently the only one of its kind in use within the state.
“This technology is important because diabetes can cause a complication called diabetic retinopathy,” said Kristen Stakelin, M.D., medical director at Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center. “Our patients with diabetic retinopathy often have no symptoms until it is severe, leading to blindness if not treated. The earlier diabetic retinopathy is detected, the more treatable it is. The retinal camera allows us to screen for retinopathy while a patient is in the office to assess their risk.”
More than 440,000 adults in Kentucky are reportedly living with diabetes, making up 12.9% of the Commonwealth’s population of adults. The state stands seventh in the U.S. in terms of the prevalence of diabetes. A significant 30% of the estimated 37 million Americans living with diabetes suffer from diabetic retinopathy, contributing to the demand for preventive technology like the new AI-powered retinal screening.
Diabetic retinopathy represents one of the major causes of blindness in the United States, with high blood sugar levels inflicting damage on the retina’s blood vessels over time. This can lead to weakened blood vessels, leading to retinal leaks, ruptures, and detachments. As a result, almost 220,000 Americans are blind due to this disease.
The AI-powered camera functions by capturing an image of the retina, which forms the back of the eye. The software then identifies abnormal blood vessels that may be at risk of easy bleeding. Such abnormal blood vessels can cause significant vision problems, including vision loss and complete blindness. The technology, therefore, represents a significant step towards minimizing or eliminating the effects of diabetic retinopathy through early detection.
“We do remind our patients this is only a screening and does not replace regular eye exams. The images only screen for diabetic retinopathy, but not other things like cataracts, glaucoma, visual acuity,” Stakelin stated. “The main benefit of the AI-powered retinal screen is to provide point-of-care testing to determine if a patient has early stages of diabetic retinopathy and therefore needs referral for vision preserving treatment by ophthalmological specialists.”
The center, established in 2008, received its initial funding from twin sisters Patricia Barnstable Brown and Priscilla Barnstable, along with their mother, Wilma. The center was created in memory of Patricia Barnstable Brown’s husband, David, who passed away due to diabetes complications. The family has since donated more than $17.25 million to the cause. Each year, they host the Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala, a star-studded event in Louisville, Kentucky, in support of the center.
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