AI tool can help identify children at risk of high myopia

SINGAPORE: Researchers have developed a new artificial intelligence tool that can help evaluate children at risk of developing high myopia, a condition that can lead to potentially sight-threatening eye diseases later in life.

The AI tool, developed by Singapore National Eye Centre SNEC and Singapore Eye Research Institute SERI, uses deep learning algorithms to identify high-risk children and can assist clinicians in early myopia management and control.

Myopia usually progresses rapidly in children between the age of five and 15 and usually stablises by the time they reach their early 20 s, according to the SNEC.

The likelihood of developing high myopia increases as a teenager or adulthood because of the earlier onset of myopia.

High myopia is defined as a severe short-sightedness of over 500 degrees.

As eye disorder is permanent, researchers hope that early detection and intervention can lower the incidence of severe nearsightedness among Singaporeans and reduce the risks of complications.

Associate Professor Marcus Ang, the principal investigator of the tool, said that we are so concerned about preventing high myopia in childhood because it is irreversible.

Once a child or a teenager develops high myopia, the side threatening complications only occur later in life, he told CNA s Singapore Tonight on Wednesday.

In adulthood, high myopia increases the risks of patients developing vision-threatening problems, including glaucoma, cataract, myopic maculopathy and retinal detachment.