This Intel-powered AI solution can detect diabetic vision loss in 2 minutes

Sankara Eye Foundation and Singapore-based Leben Care are deploying a retina risk assessment software-as-a-service platform in India called Netra.AI. Netra.AI is a cloud-based artificial intelligence (AI) solution that is powered by Intel technology. It uses deep learning to identify various retinal conditions in a short span of time.

Intel says that this AI-based solution can detect various retinal conditions with the accuracy level of human doctors. The company says that it can accurately identify diabetic retinopathy (DR), a condition wherein there is damage to the blood vessels in the back of the retina owing to diabetes.

How this system works is really simple. Netra.AI analyses images from portable, technician-operated fundus camera devices, for immediate results of referable DR grading via a cloud-based web portal. The solution uses AI algorithms that have been developed in collaboration with leading retina experts with a four-step deep convolutional neural network (DCNN). This neural network helps in detecting DR stage and annotating lesions based on pixel density in the fundus images.

One of the interesting facts about Netra.AI is that it is capable of generating a comprehensive report generated within 2 minutes of uploading the images, which in turn enables imaging technicians to provide instant counsel for patients needing a referral to the hospital. Intel says that the solution also delivers excellent sensitivity and accuracy of 99.7% and 98.5% respectively.

Intel says that this solution can be expanded to other retinal conditions including glaucoma, a condition wherein the optic nerve is damaged due to high eye pressure. The company says that this will help in reducing the screening burden on healthcare specialists and focus key resources on patients who need immediate care and intervention.

“With Netra.AI, Sankara Eye Foundation and Leben Care have leveraged the power of Intel Xeon Scalable processors and built-in Intel Deep Learning (DL) Boost to accurately detect DR and enable timely treatment to effectively combat avoidable vision impairment and blindness in diabetic patients,” Prakash Mallya, vice president and managing director of Sales, Marketing and Communications Group, Intel India said on the occasion.