Childhood cataracts can be diagnosed with artificial intelligence

Chinese researchers developed a new artificial-intelligence system that can diagnose a rare eye condition known as congenital cataracts. The new system is called the CC-Cruiser and is designed to mimic the way the brain handles vision. The CC-Cruiser is designed to scan images of eyes to diagnose congenital cataracts, which cloud the lens of a child's eye from birth and can eventually lead to a complete loss of vision. The CC-Cruiser was given 300 images of healthy eyes and only three images of eyes from children who had been diagnosed with congenital cataracts. The CC-Cruiser successfully identified the three cataract cases and also accurately offered treatment options. Clinical trials are still needed but researchers are hopeful that the CC-Cruiser could possibly help identify other diseases via medical imaging.