2 hrs ago

How AI Could Help Shift Healthcare Toward Prevention

Healthcare often starts treating a problem after someone feels sick.

AI might help spot signs of health risks earlier.

For example, a camera can take a picture of the back of the eye, where tiny blood vessels can be seen.

AI may notice patterns in those pictures that people cannot easily see.

It could also look at information such as test results, medical history and activity from wearable devices.

This might help doctors decide who could benefit from an earlier check-up or other steps.

But an AI warning is not the same as a diagnosis.

Doctors still need to decide what the information means, and the tools must be used carefully to protect privacy and reduce mistakes.

Key facts

Retinal imaging: The retina's blood vessels can be viewed directly, and changes may offer clues about vascular health.
Other data considered: Medical histories, laboratory results, imaging, wearable information, lifestyle patterns and family history.
Risks discussed: Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and certain cancers are cited as examples for risk assessment.
Retinal research areas: Applications being explored include coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, neurological and psychiatric disorders, kidney conditions and rheumatoid arthritis.
Potential use: Earlier screening, lifestyle changes or medical follow-up for people identified as higher risk.
Limitations: AI can produce false positives, miss conditions, or identify patterns whose clinical significance is unclear.
Expert position: AI should support doctors, not replace them; clinical expertise is needed to interpret predictions.

firstpost.com · 2 hrs ago