AI Screening for Diabetic Retinopathy
This study is investigating a new computer program, known as AI, to screen for diabetic retinopathy. This eye condition is common in people with diabetes and can lead to serious vision problems if not caught early. There are sometimes long waits or differences in how eye checks are done. The study wants to see how accurate this AI program, called 'MONA-DR-Model', is at finding diabetic retinopathy. They will compare its results with what eye doctors usually find. The goal is to see if AI can help make these important eye checks more consistent and efficient for people with diabetes across the UK.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Many people with diabetes eventually develop an eye condition called diabetic retinopathy. If left untreated, this can seriously damage your eyesight and even lead to blindness. Regular eye check-ups are really important for catching this condition early so you can get the right treatment and protect your vision.
However, getting these regular check-ups can sometimes be difficult. There might be long waiting lists, or the quality of the examinations can vary. Researchers are looking at whether a special computer program, known as Artificial Intelligence (AI), could help with this. AI has shown promise in finding diabetic retinopathy, but we need to know exactly how good it is at doing this.
This study will test an AI program called 'MONA-DR-Model'. For each person taking part, a special camera will take a picture of the back of their eye. The AI program will then look at these pictures and decide if there are signs of diabetic retinopathy. These AI results will be compared with the findings of eye doctors who routinely check people as part of their diabetes care. The study will also look at how well the AI can tell the difference between mild and more serious forms of the condition, and how people feel about using this new checking method. All of this helps to make sure that any new technology is both effective and acceptable for patients.
Key takeaways
- Tests a new AI computer program for spotting diabetic retinopathy.
- Compares AI results with eye doctor findings.
- Aims to improve accuracy and availability of eye checks for people with diabetes.
- Involves having special photographs taken of your eyes.
- Does not involve new treatments, only an assessment method.
- Helps to understand if AI can make eye screening better for the future.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, people need to have a diagnosis of diabetes and have had it for at least five years. You must be over 18 years old and able to understand and agree to take part. It's also important that you can speak and understand German, or that you have an interpreter who can help you.
There are a few reasons why you might not be able to join. If you've previously had laser treatment for your eyes, or if there's a medical reason you can't have the special eye photographs taken, then you wouldn't be able to participate. The study will check for these things to make sure it's safe for everyone involved.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I have diabetes.
- I've had diabetes for at least 5 years.
- I am over 18 years old.
- I can understand and agree to take part in the study.
- I have not had laser eye treatment before.
- I don't have any medical reasons preventing eye photos.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, the main thing you'll do is have a special photograph taken of the back of each of your eyes. This is done using a machine called a 'Crystalvue NFC 600'. These photos will then be checked by the special AI computer program, which will look for signs of diabetic retinopathy. The AI will classify your eyes as either having diabetic retinopathy or not.
As part of your usual care, an eye doctor will have also examined your eyes around the same time. The study will compare the AI's findings with the eye doctor's opinion to see how well they match up. If the AI says you have diabetic retinopathy, or if there's a difference between what the AI and your regular eye doctor found, you'll be offered another routine eye appointment at the Marienhospital. At this appointment, an eye doctor will do another examination without knowing the previous results, to give a fresh opinion.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- West German Center of Diabetes and HealthVerified postcodeDüsseldorf, Germany· Recruiting
Common questions
What is diabetic retinopathy?
It's an eye condition that can affect people with diabetes, potentially leading to vision loss if not treated.
What is AI?
AI stands for Artificial Intelligence, which is a computer program that can perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence, like spotting patterns in eye pictures.
Will I get treatment in this study?
No, this study is about checking how well AI can spot the condition, not about giving new treatments.
Will this replace my usual eye doctor checks?
Currently, no. This study is testing if AI could help improve future checks, but your eye doctor's opinion is still central.
Is the eye scan painful?
The eye scan is like a photograph and is usually quick and not painful.
How to find out more
Stephan Martin, MD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.