Fundus images predict risk of hypertension and other systemic diseases

Researchers from Skoltech, the Z-union AI Technologies Consortium, Sber AI Lab and other research centers have proposed an artificial intelligence-based approach for the preventive screening of 15 diseases based on fundus photography—medical images of the rear of the eye. Fundus images predict risk of hypertension and other systemic diseases. Fundus images predict risk of hypertension and other systemic diseases by Nicolas Posunko, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology edited by Sadie Harley, reviewed by Andrew Zinin Sadie Harley Scientific Editor Meet our editorial team Behind our editorial process Andrew Zinin Chief Editor Meet our editorial team Behind our editorial process Editors' notes This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies.

Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked trusted source proofread The GIST Add as preferred source A retinal fundus photo showing a case of hypertensive retinopathy. If the approach proposed in the study were adopted, patients with this and other systemic diseases could learn about them during a routine visit to an eye clinic. The conditions whose risk the researchers were able to predict from these images include not only eye diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts, but also systemic ones: hypertension, lupus, AIDS and more.

Adopting approaches like this would enable patients to learn about a disease earlier, before symptoms become noticeable. The study was published in Frontiers in Medicine. "Invasive tests aren't performed without a specific indication, but noninvasive screening can be done at scale," explains the study's lead author and Z-union AI Technologies Consortium CEO Robert Vasilev.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals for medical decisions and treatment options.