CANBERRA, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- A new eye test could help prevent blindness in millions of diabetics, after world-first trials of artificial intelligence-driven eye technology in Australia proved to be successful.
Scientists from Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) developed the technology, which analyzes diabetics' eyes for diabetic retinopathy - a degenerative eye condition which affects one in three sufferers.
Diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness if left untreated, but the only test currently available takes up to six weeks. The technology developed the CSIRO takes just 30 minutes and early detection can help prevent unnecessary cases of blindness.
In a statement accompanying the research on Tuesday, Australia's Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Arthur Sinodinos said the test will allow more Australians - and those around the world - to live "longer and happier lives."
"This advancement is a great example of the essential role science plays in finding innovative ways to help Australians live longer and happier lives," Sinodinos said.
"With this world-first innovation, our scientists are at the forefront of using artificially intelligent technology to save people's eyesight and make healthcare more accessible for all Australians."
According to the CSIRO's Professor Yogi Kanagasingam, who created the technology, early detection of diabetic retinopathy was the key to stopping blindness, and the new test would allow just a simple family doctor to diagnose the condition and start the preventative process.
"Patients at risk of this condition would usually be referred to a specialist for screening, waiting six weeks or more now it can potentially be done in a single 30-minute visit to a general practitioner (GP)," Kanagasingam said.
"Early detection and intervention for diabetic retinopathy is key, and this new tool is the first step to help GPs prioritize patients for treatment.
"It could help avoid unnecessary referrals to public hospitals, potentially reduce waiting periods for patients and enable ophthalmologists to focus on patients needing treatment and surgery.
"It could also help reduce the financial impact of diabetes on the Australian economy, which is estimated to cost up to 14 billion Australian dollars (11.25 billion U.S. dollars) a year."
