A Johns Hopkins Children’s Center study of children and youth with diabetes concludes that so-called autonomous artificial intelligence (AI) diabetic eye exams significantly increase completion rates of screenings designed to prevent potentially blinding diabetes eye diseases (DED). During the exam, pictures are taken of the backs of the eyes without the need to dilate them, and AI is used to provide an immediate result.

The study noted that the AI-driven technology used in the exams may close “care gaps” among racial and ethnic minority youth with diabetes, populations with historically higher rates of DED and less access to or adherence with regular screening for eye damage.

In a report on the study published Jan. 11 in Nature Communications, investigators examined diabetic eye exam completion rates in people under age 21 with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and found that 100% of patients who underwent AI exams completed the eye assessment.