DeepMind artificial intelligence (AI) can detect almost 50 different eye diseases by analyzing three-dimensional retinal scan images.

After Google acquired DeepMind, the British artificial intelligence company famous for its AlphaGo algorithm that defeated the world champion in the Go strategy game, in 2014, DeepMind has become able to detect almost 50 different eye diseases by examining three-dimensional retinal scan images. According to an article published in the British journal Nature Medicine, the algorithm, developed using anonymized health data, can detect diseases such as yellow spot and eye diabetes with a success rate close to that of specialist physicians.

It can also inform patients about the treatment methods they should follow and what they need to do urgently. The software primarily aims to facilitate the work of specialist physicians. In this context, when a disease is detected, the findings on the basis of which this decision is made are shared with the physician. The parts of the image that may be related to the disease are even labeled with a prediction percentage. This helps the physician make a more accurate assessment. The examination of three-dimensional retinal scan data can take a long time and patients may experience problems that can lead to temporary vision loss. With artificial intelligence, it may be possible to shorten this time, and especially patients who are thought to have a serious problem may be moved to the front line.

How Deepmind Works?

What is particularly important about the research, according to DeepMind’s Co-Founder Mustafa Suleyman, is that the AI has a level of ‘explainability’ that can increase doctors’ trust in its recommendations. He said, “It is possible for the clinician to interpret what the algorithm is thinking. They can look at the underlying segmentation. In other words, our AI software doesn’t work like a mysterious black box that reveals the results. DeepMind’s AI was trained on a database of about 15,000 eye scans stripped of identifying information. DeepMind worked with clinicians to label areas of disease and then can calculate these labeled images with a percentage score in its system. The two-and-a-half year project required a major investment for DeepMind and involved Moorfields researchers as well as 25 other employees.” Suleyman called the findings a ‘research breakthrough’ and said the next step is to prove that AI works in a clinical setting, which will take several years.

Accelerating Eye Scans

He emphasizes that patients are at risk of losing their eyesight because doctors are unable to attend to eye scans in a timely manner. Mustafa Suleyman says that one of the reasons DeepMind and Moorfields undertook the research project was that clinicians were ‘overwhelmed’ by the demand for eye scans. He said, “If you have a sight-threatening condition, you want to be treated as soon as possible and unlike A&E, a staff nurse will talk to you and make an assessment of how serious your condition is, then use that assessment to decide how quickly you will be seen. When an eye scan is sent, there is no system for prioritizing medical intervention based on the severity of your scan. The fact that eye scans are done through artificial intelligence will speed up the whole process. It’s clear how Deepmind has the potential to transform public hospitals. In the future, we envision a person going to their local high street optician and getting an eye scan, and this algorithm will identify patients with sight-threatening diseases at a very early stage of the condition.”

Not Limited to the Eye

Artificial intelligence’s detection of diseases is not limited to the eye. The algorithm developed by MIT researchers Tuka Alhanai, Muhammad Ghassemi and James Glass can predict whether a person is depressed or not by analyzing their texts and voices. While therapists try to understand a person’s mental state through question and answer methods and observation, artificial intelligence tries to do this by looking at the content the person produces on certain topics. Of course, while the therapist detects depression, the AI only guesses. Snapchat has developed a similar artificial intelligence software. This application can determine how happy people in a selfie are on a scale of 1-5. This kind of software can help identify people who are ‘thought’ to be depressed and take precautions by analyzing their social media posts.

August 2024

You enjoy sunbathing on the beach and feeling the gentle breeze on your face. However did you know that getting windblown sand and dust in your eyes can cause permanent vision loss?

Eye Health and Diseases Specialist Op. Dr. İlker Biçer said, “One of the most common eye problems during summer holidays is sand in the eye. A wrong intervention or delay in consulting a doctor after sand in the eye can cause eye diseases.”

Conjunctivitis (Eye Inflammation): As a result of sand and dust particles coming into contact with the eye, eye inflammation (conjunctivitis) may occur. Conjunctivitis manifests itself with symptoms such as redness, itching, watering, burning and stinging. An examination by a specialist ophthalmologist is usually sufficient for diagnosis. In treatment, eye drops or ointments are used to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms. Early diagnosis can prevent the progression of conjunctivitis.

Corneal Abrasion: The cornea is the transparent layer at the front of the eye and can be scratched when sand or dust rubs against its surface. Corneal abrasion causes symptoms such as pain, tenderness, redness, sensitivity to light and blurred vision.

Permanent Vision Loss: When sand or dust particles get into the eye and are not intervened early, undesirable conditions such as impingement under the eyelid and damage to the cornea may occur due to intraocular foreign body. This may result in permanent vision loss.

Ways to Protect Your Eyes from Sand

There are some precautions you can take before the windblown sand and dust gets into your eyes and turns your vacation into a nightmare. Wearing sunglasses on the beach is an effective way to protect your eyes from sand and dust. Wearing a hat or hat-like headgear on the beach can reduce the impact of direct sunlight on the eyes and the risk of foreign objects hitting the eyes. Wearing swimming goggles in windy weather, especially when swimming in shallow waters close to the beach, can also help protect your eye health from sand contact. Never rub your eyes if you get sand in your eyes. Rubbing your eyes can cause sand to scratch your cornea. After sanitizing your hands, you can wash your eyes with tear drops. If the sensitivity persists, you should consult a specialized eye health and diseases specialist before the symptoms worsen.

August 2024

Recently, the number of people applying to hospitals has increased due to viruses that can cause eye infections.

Swelling of the eyelids, redness and watering of the eyes… All these are among the symptoms of viruses that cause eye infections, namely adenoviruses. Experts recommend paying attention to hand hygiene, not sharing personal belongings and consulting a doctor immediately when symptoms appear. Ophthalmologist Op. Dr. Gülşah Tezcan, who says that attention should be paid to hand hygiene, said, “This is mostly a very contagious disease. It can be transmitted mostly in collective living places. Children can get this disease especially in kindergartens and schools. In the following period, spots form on the cornea layer, which is the transparent layer of the eye.” Adenoviruses can be transmitted within 1 week and can be observed in all age groups. Experts have warnings to protect against eye infections. Op. Dr. Tezcan said, “It is very important to avoid contact in the disease. Because it is very contagious. After touching our face and eyes, we should definitely wash our hands before touching anywhere. It is also very important not to use make-up materials in common.” When symptoms occur, it is important to consult a doctor to prevent the risk of transmission of the disease.

July 2024

Artificial intelligence has cracked the code between the eye and the brain. Artificial intelligence has achieved unprecedented success in decoding the brain.

Artificial intelligence is the science and engineering of making intelligent machines, especially intelligent computer programs. While the use of computers and artificial intelligence-based tools is increasing in all areas of life, it is a natural process for this use to become widespread in the field of medicine. The aim of medical artificial intelligence is to create artificial intelligence programs that can make recommendations in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Artificial intelligence developed in Switzerland can translate neural signals sent from the eyes to the brain into images. The technology could make blindness a thing of the past in the future. Artificial intelligence has decrypted the communication between the eyes and the brain. Artificial intelligence has achieved unprecedented success in decoding the brain. Cebra, an artificial intelligence developed in Geneva, Switzerland, can translate the neural signals sent from the eyes to the brain into images. Scientists converted the electrical signals in the brain of a mouse, which they showed a black and white movie, into an image with artificial intelligence. With data obtained only from brain scans, the movie the mouse watched was reproduced with 95% accuracy. Two different techniques are used to map brain activity in mice. The results of the research were published in the journal Nature. Experts aim to adapt the technology to the human brain. In this way, it will be possible to produce bionic eyes for the visually impaired in the future.

July 2024

Weakened vision reduces the amount of stimulation the brain receives and increases the risk of dementia. People with poor eyesight start to read less because of reading difficulties. Reading less further reduces the amount of stimulation the brain receives…

Dementia is the loss of mental functions such as thinking, remembering and reasoning as a result of damage to brain cells to a level that affects the person’s daily life and activities. The cause of dementia is the loss of activity and death of other brain cells as a result of the inability of previously healthy nerve cells in the human brain to function properly.

Which eye diseases are associated with dementia?

• Diabetic retinopathy (diabetes affecting the eye): 61% higher risk of dementia.
• Age-related macular degeneration (yellow spot disease): 26% higher risk of dementia.
• Cataracts (loss of transparency of the lens inside the eye): 11% higher risk of dementia.

A UK study found that people with conditions such as yellow spot disease, cataracts and diabetes-induced eye disease are more at risk of developing dementia. In the study conducted on 12,364 adults aged 55-73, it was reported that the most risky group was people with diabetes-related eye disease. Researchers reported an 11 percent higher risk of dementia in those with cataracts and a 61 percent higher risk of dementia in those with diabetes-related eye disease, and underlined that eye pressure is not associated with dementia.

Can cataract surgery reduce the risk of dementia?

Yes! A study published in the journal Jama Internal Medicine in 2021 found that cataract surgery reduces the risk of dementia in older adults. A study in 2022 estimated that clear vision and healthy eyes could potentially prevent 100,000 cases of dementia.

How can we help someone with visual impairment and dementia?

• Adjust lighting in the home so that it is bright but not dazzling
• Provide color contrast in areas such as stairs or kitchen for safety
• Keep area corridors and rooms clean and free of obstacles that could cause falls
• Invest in tools and technology that can help
• Provide large print books and audio books
• Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle

What can we do for better eye and brain health?

• Don’t smoke
• Exercise for a total of at least 150 minutes a week
• Eat a healthy diet: Eat lean protein, whole grains, vegetables and fruits
• Maintain a healthy weight, obesity increases the risk of eye and brain diseases
• Sleep at least 7-8 hours a night
• Engage in activities to reduce your stress level
• Get annual check-ups for problems such as blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, which increase the risk of eye and brain disease
• Try to learn new things, engage in activities to keep your mind sharp
• Maintain a strong social network of family and friends
• Prevent eye and head injuries by wearing seat belts in cars and helmets on bicycles
• Wear protective eyewear if necessary at your workplace

July 2024

If you are experiencing sudden and painless vision loss, you may be having ‘optic nerve palsy’ and the biggest cause of this is high blood pressure and diabetes. Drinking less water and sedentary life can be among the biggest factors that can cause optic nerve paralysis.

Sudden and painless vision loss may occur due to disruption or blockage of blood circulation to a part of the optic nerves in the eye. This is called ‘optic nerve palsy’. Patients with high blood pressure and diabetes should be careful.

50-55 is a risky age: There are important risk factors underlying this disease. High blood sugar, high blood pressure, high blood fats, drinking less water during the day, moving less and having some genetic predispositions cause this disease. Although it is generally seen in the 50-55 age group, it is possible to see this disease at an earlier age.

There is no complete treatment: Nerve palsy in the eye occurs when a very special vascular bundle that provides blood supply to the optic nerve is blocked by small clots and there is no complete treatment today.

Vision Losses Occur: In patients with optic nerve palsy, visual acuity and color vision are reduced and visual field losses occur, and cortisone-containing drugs can be beneficial in some patients. Since not all patients have a chance of recovery, preventive medicine is at the forefront and very important.

Sedentary Life Affects: It is important to have good metabolic values in order to avoid this disease. The most important risk factors are high blood sugar, blood pressure and blood fats and low daily exercise. The occurrence of this disease in one eye creates a risk factor that increases the likelihood of this disease in the other eye by one third.

How can we be protected?

Patients who have this disease in one eye should pay attention to the risk factors mentioned above, eat a balanced diet, avoid foods that increase insulin resistance, consume plenty of fluids, move and walk during the day. In this way, the possibility of developing the same disease in the other eye is minimized.

June 2024

Experts warned against the increasing risk of “blindness epidemic” in Generation Z as they do not go out as much as before. Accordingly, constantly looking at the screens of technological devices and staying away from daylight can trigger a wave of blindness.

Ophthalmologists have warned that Generation Z children could be exposed to an epidemic of blindness that could threaten entire health systems as they age. Increased screen time means Generation Z is “missing out on natural light”, which is vital during their formative years. This has the potential to have a devastating long-term impact on their eyesight. The UK, where the research was conducted, has seen a 46 percent increase in cases over the last 30 years, while cases of myopia are on the rise worldwide. But the figures have reached “epidemic levels” with eye surgeons warning that the situation will get worse.

Children Are Not Getting Enough Dopamine

Experts say that children who stay indoors on computers during adolescence do not get enough dopamine, which damages their eyes. Another factor that can trigger this epidemic is the amount of time spent looking at phones and tablets held inches away from the face. This can cause myopia, or nearsightedness. Experts have observed that in some parts of China, the rate of myopia has risen from 30 percent to 95 percent and above. Research suggests that cases of bad myopia in young people increase the likelihood of developing “macular degeneration” by 41 percent. One type of age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness. Experts warned parents to limit their children’s screen time, saying that tablets and televisions are often used as “babysitters”.

June 2024

Although serious vision problems are not unique to women, women are 12% more likely to experience vision loss than men.

Not only the reproductive tracts and associated organs of men and women, but also the organs common to both sexes have structural differences. There are many biological factors that contribute to women’s vision problems. The differences between men and women’s eye structure can be seen in the tear glands, the surface of the eye, the lens and the retina (the nerve layer of the eye). Depending on sex hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and androgen, age, menstruation, pregnancy, menopause and andropause affect vision.

Hormone Changes and Vision

Estrogen: Plays an important role in reproductive and sexual development starting at puberty.

Progesterone: Helps regulate menstrual cycles and prepares the body for pregnancy.

Androgens: These are a group of sex hormones that affect fertility, bone mass, sex drive and red blood cell production. Androgens are found only in small amounts in women, but in larger amounts in men.

Changes in vision during pregnancy

Hormones can cause serious changes in the eyes. Vision is particularly affected in women during pregnancy and menopause. When a woman becomes pregnant, pregnancy hormones produced by the placenta kick in. These hormones can cause changes in and around the eyes. These changes usually improve after the baby is born or after the mother stops breastfeeding. Changes in the eyes and around the eyes during pregnancy include the following:

Eyelids: Many pregnant women experience increased pigmentation (darkening of color) around the eyelids, called melasma or chloasma.

Cornea (the transparent layer of the eye): The thickness, curvature and sensitivity of the cornea can change during pregnancy. This can lead to refractive error, which can cause blurred vision. Women who wear contact lenses may develop a temporary intolerance to contact lenses during pregnancy.

Tear production: Hormones during pregnancy can affect the tear film and glands, leading to dry eyes.

Intraocular pressure: The pressure inside the eye decreases during pregnancy. Low IOP can lead to corneal edema, resulting in reduced vision.

Lens: During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the ability of women’s natural lenses to focus at close range may be weakened.

Women who had diabetes before becoming pregnant are at higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy (diabetes affecting the eye). Women who develop diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes) have a lower risk of diabetic retinopathy.

Vision Changes in Menopause

• One of the most important eye-related changes after menopause is dry eyes. Dry eyes are very common during menopause and are caused by the loss of hormone support. Tear production is controlled by prolactin and sex hormones. After menopause, dryness in the eyes, which causes complaints such as burning, stinging and redness, improves with hormone support therapy.
• Some studies show that menopause may also increase the risk of glaucoma (eye pressure disease).
• The risk of cataract development in women after menopause is higher than in men of the same age. Estrogen use after menopause reduces the risk of cataracts. In the pre-menopausal period, estrogen helps the lens maintain its ionic structure and water balance.
• Women are twice as likely as men to develop autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Grave’s disease and multiple sclerosis cause various problems in the eyes such as uveitis, scleritis, cataracts, optic nerve damage and inflammation.

How Can Women Protect Their Eye Health?

1. Get a routine eye examination! Women between the ages of 18 and 60 should have an eye examination once a year.
2. Inform your ophthalmologist about your family history! Heredity and family history play a big role in vision. Tell your ophthalmologist about diseases that run in your family. In this way, your doctor can inform you about prevention methods and perform detailed examinations and tests for early diagnosis.
3. Do not smoke! Smokers are at risk for cataracts, age-related yellow spot disease and inflammatory conditions. If you smoke, try to quit.
4. Wear sunglasses outside! Wearing sunglasses protects your eyes from harmful UV rays. Make sure you wear good quality sunglasses that fully block UVA and UVB rays.
5. Eat a balanced diet! Adding fruits, vegetables and antioxidants to your diet can help delay or prevent the onset of certain eye conditions. Get your protein from lean meat, fish, nuts and eggs. Drink plenty of water. Vitamin A (and beta-carotene), vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc are also good for your eyes.
6. Add moderate exercise to your routine! To maintain your physical health, 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of moderate activity each week is recommended. This time can be divided into small activities throughout the week.

June 2024

Some sunglasses tints make you see the colors around you more vividly. Others make you perceive colors differently and can distort vision. If you know the pros and cons of each lens color, you can choose the right sunglasses.

The main purpose of sunglasses is to protect our eyes from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. UV protection is more important than lens color. Therefore, whatever the color of the lenses, make sure that the label on the sunglasses says 100% UV protection.

Green: Green colored lens filters out some of the blue light. This prevents glare in bright sunlight. The green tint is suitable for everyday wear and for sports such as golf and tennis.
Gray: This neutral color reduces glare, especially on water. Gray tinted lenses are useful on both cloudy and sunny days. They are suitable for marine activities and driving.
Blue or purple: Blue or purple tinted sunglass lenses provide a striking perception of color. They also help you see the outlines around objects more clearly. They protect against reflective surfaces such as snow. Sunglasses with blue lenses also work well in foggy and hazy weather.
Red or pink: Red and pink sunglasses filter out some of the blue light, thus improving vision while driving. They also increase the depth of field and emphasize details. Sunglasses with red or pink lenses are therefore suitable for many sports activities, such as skiing.
Yellow, orange or gold: Sunglasses with light-colored lenses such as yellow, orange and gold are excellent in moderate to low-level light conditions. Used in both outdoor and indoor sunglasses. They increase the visibility of objects, make the surroundings appear brighter and filter out blue light.
Amber or brown: Helps make cloudy days look a little brighter. Can be used during activities where you need to see small objects in the distance. Increases contrast against green landscapes and blue skies.

May 2024

It is necessary to pay attention to the eye structure while applying eye makeup. You can make your dream makeup by using the right products and makeup techniques. Here are the things that those with low eyelids should pay attention to…

You want to apply an eye makeup you like to yourself, but you can’t get the same look. When those with low eye structure do not apply the right techniques, the eyeshadow they apply may not be visible or their eyes may look smaller than they are. Here are the things that those with low eye structure should pay attention to…

START WITH BASE
Always apply an eyeshadow base before starting your eye makeup. The eyeshadow base ensures that the products you apply stay fixed on the eyelid for a long time without smearing.

HOW TO APPLY EYESHADOW?
It is very important to apply eyeshadow with the right brushes and techniques. Do not apply dark colors on the crease, this makes the eye socket look deeper. Apply the shadow you want to shade slightly above the crease, this will make your eyes look lighter than they are. Choose matte textures and light colors instead of pearlescent or glittery shadows. Apply the darkest shades to the ends of your eyelids. Do not raise your eyebrows while applying eye shadow. You can make your eyes look more vibrant and younger by applying light colored eye shadow to the eye sockets.

EYELINER
When applying eyeliner, look straight ahead and keep your eyes open so that your eyeliner will be visible when you close your eyes. Try to apply the pencil thinly, otherwise you may smudge it on your eyelid.

LIGHT COLOR PENCIL
You can make your eyes look bigger than they are by applying a light colored pencil to the base of the eyelashes. Avoid applying dark pencil inside the eye, dark colors will make your eyes look even smaller.

EYELASHES
After using the eyelash curler, apply your mascara, but apply it more intensely on the center lashes. You can skip the lower lashes.

May 2024