This paper describes an interesting application of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool called LuxIA that operates entirely in the cloud.
Beyond the interest of its application, I have chosen this paper because the data come from a Spanish Hospital, more specifically from Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria University Hospital in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The Swiss AI Company ‘RetinAI Medical’ has led the project.
The authors describe the creation and implementation of LuxIA, an AI-powered tool specifically designed for cloud-based diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening. This means the entire analysis and decision-making process happens in the cloud, without requiring specialized hardware or software on-site. This makes it accessible to wider areas, especially those with limited resources.
Unlike traditional methods needing multiple images, LuxIA utilizes only a single color fundus image, simplifying the screening process and potentially reducing costs.
For those who have never seen it, I bring a healthy fundus image of a retina:
The tool leverages artificial intelligence to analyze the image and detect signs of DR, offering potentially faster and more accurate results compared to manual assessment.
By using LuxIA in a screening program, diabetic patients could potentially gain access to specialist-level assessments without requiring a physical consultation, improving efficiency and accessibility.
Overall, LuxIA’s cloud-based nature makes it a promising tool for expanding access to reliable DR screening, particularly in resource-limited settings.
References
Research article: Blair JPM, Rodriguez JN, Lasagni Vitar RM, Stadelmann MA, Abreu-González R, Donate J, Ciller C, Apostolopoulos S, Bermudez C, De Zanet S. Development of LuxIA, a Cloud-Based AI Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Tool Using a Single Color Fundus Image. Transl Vis Sci Technol. 2023 Nov 1;12(11):38. doi: 10.1167/tvst.12.11.38. PMID: 38032322; PMCID: PMC10691390.
Image from: medicine.uiowa.edu/eye/patient-care/imaging-services/color-fundus-photography