Age
Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in seniors. Aging is the greatest risk factor! In its
most advanced stages, it can deprive an individual of his or her ability to
perform basic activities such as reading, recognizing faces, and driving.
Approximately 11 million individuals are affected with AMD in the United States
(U.S.) alone and the prevalence of AMD in the U.S. is anticipated to increase
to 22 million by the year 2050.
Early detection and treatment is critical in
helping patients avoid vision loss from AMD. Recently researchers reported
interesting results in the journal JAMA
Ophthalmology regarding how “deep learning” (DL) or artificial
intelligence (AI) might be a useful addition to the physician in the
examination and monitoring process for patients at risk for AMD and its
progression. Their findings suggest
that using DL to grade and monitor AMD is comparable to experienced humans for
estimating 5-year risk of progression to advanced AMD. This could be very helpful in assisting
physicians in having a detailed risk assessment in the long term care of AMD
patient.
If you want to learn more about your risk of age
related macular degeneration (AMD), schedule an eye exam at Alabama Eye &
Cataract Center in Birmingham at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract Center or www.facebook.com/alabamaeyecataractcenter.
Alabama Eye & Cataract Center is a
leading eye care center in Birmingham located at UAB-Highlands, 1201 11th
Avenue S, Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35205 and staffed by UAB Medicine eye
doctors and eye specialists.
