ABSTRACT
Currently the “pandemic” of diabetes mellitus is noted. The incidence and prevalence of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy, the most common microvascular complications of diabetes, are exponentially growing due to increased life expectancy in many parts of the world. The increasing number of people suffering from diabetic retinopathy not only highlights medical issues, but also an economic burden, representing a medical and social challenge. It is extremely important to identify a disease as soon as possible and successfully treat it. Technological progress results in developing Artificial Intelligence systems capable of detecting diabetic retinopathy. Current screening will be cost effectively based on the use of advanced digital technologies, in particular teleretinal screening systems. At present, we may consider teleophthalmology and Artificial Intelligence with automatic analysis of fundus photos as a Millennium-minded impactful tool for increasing discoverability and manageability of diabetic retinopathy, especially in filling the gap of inaccessibility to hard-to-reach areas, which enforces highly professionally effective time- and cost-saving care everywhere to provide the best possible care for the patients.
Diabetes mellitus; Diabetic retinopathy; Teleophthalmology; Artificial intelligence; Deep learning