IIT Jodhpur researchers propose AI Alogorithm to detect cataracts

Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur have proposed a multitask deep learning Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithm for automated cataract detection.

A team of researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur has found that eye images acquired by low-cost near-infrared (NIR) cameras can aid in low design costs, ease of use, and practical solutions for cataract detection.

The algorithm is called MTCD. It is a multitasking deep learning algorithm which is inexpensive and at the same time provides results in very high levels of accuracy.

IIT Jodhpur's research on cataract detection can be beneficial for rural areas

"This research presents a deep learning-based cataract detection method that involves iris segmentation and multitask network classification. The proposed segmentation algorithm efficiently and effectively detects non-ideal eye boundaries. It is also cost-effective as low-cost NIR cameras are used in place of costly ophthalmoscopes. The proposed method can be used in rural settings where the availability of doctors is limited," says the official notification.

Dr Richa Singh, Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, IIT Jodhpur, said, “Currently, a large number of patients with cataracts have to visit secondary and tertiary care centres. The availability of such a solution can assist doctors at the primary health care centres in helping such patients."

Dr Mayank Vatsa, Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, IIT Jodhpur, said, “We are extending this research to include both cataract and diabetic retinopathy in the solution and have collaborated with multiple hospitals in the country for domain expertise, data collection, and validation of the solution.”

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