Biomarkers of diabetic retinopathy

 

An ensemble learning approach that enables better detection, prediction and assessment of diabetic retinopathy.

The challenge

Diabetic retinopathy remains the leading cause of acquired vision loss and blindness in the middle-aged population.

Until now, artificial intelligence (AI) based diabetic retinopathy (DR) grading systems have explicitly used information available on photographs of the fundus (the part of the eye opposite the pupil) to determine disease category.

Few attempts have been made to automatically determine DR using other non-imaging biomarkers that have a strong correlation with DR.

The goal is to develop novel DR assessment procedures to reduce the burden of DR.

Our response

We have developed an AI system that combines imaging and non-imaging biomarkers for better detection and assessment of diabetic retinopathy. The system employs deep learning methodology to use colour fundus photographs to grade DR.

An ensemble learning model that combines both non-imaging and imaging-based decisions has also been developed.

Benefits

DR has been independently associated with decreased quality of life and poses a significant financial burden on society through the loss of productivity and earning capacity.

Our proposed AI-based system contributes to 5 per cent more accurate detection of DR compared to using image-only modality.

It’s hoped that improved assessment of the disease will contribute to reducing blindness, improving sufferers’ quality of life, and reducing the cost burden.