A new AI-based solution for early detection of Keratoconus, a potentially blinding corneal ectasia, as reported in Eurotimes, has been proposed by Nikki Hafezi, Lead of the SBK Project. Mrs. Hafezi suggests taking a Smart, Mobile, Affordable, Reliable, Technology (SMART) approach for creating low-cost screening tools can help screen for corneal ectasias like keratoconus – something that should be particularly useful for currently underserved low and middle-income countries (LMICs). The outcome of a recent study in Switzerland revealed only 60% of ophthalmologists had access to basic Placido-type topographers. Mrs. Hafezi believes that eye care professionals in LMICs likely have even less access to the expensive equipment than Switzerland, and this risks later diagnoses of keratoconus in people with the disease.
Late diagnosis of Keratoconus can have severe consequences as the vision loss that occurs prior to the diagnosis remains permanent. Although corneal cross-linking (CXL) can stop the progression of the disease, it typically does not reverse the vision loss, highlighing the importance of early detection and prompt treatment.
The SBK project involves the development of a smartphone-based keratographer (SBK) which would be affordable, portable, and reliable. The prototype features a lens and a forehead mount attached to a smartphone, which is paired with an app that enables users to capture images and generate corneal topographic maps. The estimated end-user cost of less than $2,000 would be a fraction of the cost of current-generation Placido-based topographers and can be operated by hand (for example, in the field) or mounted on a slit lamp. Mrs. Hafezi said that SBK is currently a screening tool, not for making decisions about surgery, but it’s already showing great promise.
In the future, the team aims to implement a machine learning approach where the system learns from physician diagnoses, providing ever-improving diagnostic support. The SBK project aims to commercialize the device in mid-2024.
