Artificial intelligence in refractive surgery

Advances in artificial intelligence have integrated into modern medicine decision making and diagnostics. Artificial intelligence in ophthalmology has become more ingrained in refractive surgery because of extensive use of diagnostic modalities including interpretation of anterior segment imaging used in refractive surgery. The role of artificial intelligence has increased to include biometry for the accurate selection of intraocular lenses (IOLs), detection of pathology such as cornea ectasia and keratoconus, sizing of phakic IOLs, as well as surgical decision making for the surgeon and patient. Artificial intelligence will also play a role in education of future medical professionals who will choose refractive surgery as a career.

Research regarding artificial intelligence is on the rise. Interest in artificial intelligence for ophthalmology is international with the largest numbers of studies coming from China and the United States of America. During this review, the most common themes encountered included the role of artificial intelligence in the fields of biometry for IOL selection, detection of keratoconus and cornea ectasia, sizing for phakic IOLs and surgical decision making and education.

Artificial intelligence will become increasingly important in the field of refractive surgery. With advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning, the safety and efficacy of refractive surgery will improve due to more accurate detection of pathology and more accurate outcomes in the realm of laser vision correction procedures and (IOL) selection.