Artificial Intelligence in Ophthalmology – Threat or Aid?

Abstract

Objective: This review seeks to identify and analyze the drawbacks and advantages associated with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the field of ophthalmology. Methods: A comprehensive review of scientific literature, articles, and publications on PubMed was undertaken. Various aspects, including the effectiveness and diagnostic speed of diabetic retinopathy, as well as ethical considerations and data security, were evaluated. Results were meticulously checked, compared, and summarized. In total, 98 articles were scrutinized using keywords in both Polish and English, including “artificial intelligence,” “ethics,” “diabetic retinopathy,” and “machine learning.” Results and discussion: The application of AI in ophthalmology demonstrates significant potential in improving the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy. AI-based systems not only contribute to facilitating and streamlining the diagnostic and therapeutic processes but also enhance therapy efficiency. However, issues related to patient data protection, physician responsibility, the cost of training adequately skilled personnel, trust in the accuracy of diagnoses, and the long-term consequences of replacing human intervention with AI necessitate careful consideration. Conclusions: AI presents substantial opportunities in ophthalmology but simultaneously poses challenges that demand diligence and attention. It is imperative to develop norms and guidelines for the responsible use of AI in ophthalmic practice, ensuring benefits for patients while minimizing potential risks and maintaining high ethical standards. This proactive approach is crucial for harnessing the full potential of AI in healthcare.