FDA approves a new AI device to detect diabetic eye disease

FDA approved a new medical device that uses artificial intelligence software which helps to detect diabetic retinopathy in adults. The device IDx-DR developed a system that uses an AI algorithm to detect cases of diabetic retinopathy from images of the eye. 

Diabetic Retinopathy is a major cause of vision loss. Early detection of diabetic retinopathy is an important part of managing care for the millions of people with diabetes. So IDx-DR can be used to detect diabetic retinopathy in which high levels of blood sugar lead to damage in the blood vessels of the retina and vision loss. 

Working procedure of AI device: doctor uploads the digital images of the patient’s retina to an AI device on which IDr- DX software is installed. If the images are of sufficient quality, the software provides the doctor with one of two results: 

1. More than mild diabetic retinopathy detected, refer to an eye care professional. 
2. Negative for more than mild diabetic retinopathy.

If a positive result is detected, patients should see an eye care professional for further diagnostic evaluation and possible treatment as soon as possible. FDA evaluated data from a clinical study