Research status and prospect of deep learning algorithm-based artificial intelligence in assisted diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy

Based on deep learning algorithm, big stride development has been made about artificial intelligence (AI) technology, both in its basic theory and clinical ophthalmic image analysis.AI can diagnose diabetic retinopathy (DR) automatically by using color fundus photography.Compared with other ophthalmic diseases, DR assisted diagnosis with AI might be far more advanced technic.Benefited from advantage of fast diagnostic speed, high accuracy and accordingly saved human resources, great potential can be expected in AI-assisted DR screening and grading.However, as a recently developed interdisciplinary technology, deep learning-based AI-aided DR screening system still needs multidisciplinary cooperation and resources sharing to get further development, such as overcoming data standardization, real-world verification and productization issues.Although challenges coexist, AI applied in ophthalmology clinical practice can be realized with technical development and widespread concern of society. Key words: Diabetic retinopathy, assisted diagnosis; Artificial intelligence, Deep learning algorithm-based; Color fundus photography