Introduction
Ophthalmology is a rapidly evolving science. This discipline encompasses medical and surgical specializations, each with its requirements. Extraocular, intraocular anterior segment, and intraocular posterior segment surgery are the three types of ocular surgeries. Intraocular procedures necessitate the use of surgical microscopes.
Furthermore, ocular surgery demands visualization systems and specific parameters, making robot integration in ocular surgery problematic. Artificial intelligence (AI) has recently arisen in the medical and surgical domains. Ophthalmology is one of the richest domains, allowing the A.I. sector to be a focus of scientific study. Numerous applications using artificial intelligence (AI) assisted in diagnosing multiple illnesses using picture recognition and deep learning (DL).
What Is an Ophthalmology Assessment?
Visual acuity, refraction, slit-lamp examination, tonometry (eye pressure measurement), dilated eye examination, and frequently specialized tests depending on specific needs are all part of an ophthalmic exam. These tests evaluate visual function, eye health, and any symptoms of eye illness. The frequency of ophthalmic exams is determined by your age, overall health, and any eye diseases you may have. Adults should undergo a complete eye checkup once or twice a year as a general rule, and those with pre-existing eye diseases or other health issues may require more regular tests as their eye care specialist recommends.
What is Tele-Robotic Ocular Evaluation?
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Robots are used in telerobotic evaluation systems to connect patients with their healthcare practitioners.
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In ophthalmology, robots enable patients to communicate directly with an off-site ophthalmologist for diagnosis or consultation.
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Robots, such as medical clinics and community screenings, may be used in several situations.
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Telerobotic technology has the potential to revolutionize the way medical services and consultations are offered to patients by removing geography as a limiting factor for access to care.
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Direct access to medical treatment might be limited during difficult periods, such as the COVID-19 epidemic.
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Tele-robotic ophthalmic consultations might be vital for ongoing eye care while keeping patients and healthcare professionals safe.
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Tele-robotic consultation can be a precious tool in community screenings for vision-threatening disorders (VTDs).
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The most common VTDs, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), are age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, diabetic retinopathy (DR), and glaucoma.
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Patients may be diagnosed with one or multiple VTDS, affecting one or both eyes.
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Experts experience has shown that thirty percent of our African-American community is plagued by Type 2 Diabetes, glaucoma, and cataracts.
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Despite the frequency of VTDS, most patients are unaware of their condition until their vision is significantly impaired or permanent vision loss has occurred.
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According to global projections, nearly eight million persons over 50 had moderate to total vision loss due to AMD in 2020. Similar research revealed that about 100 million people over 50 have moderate to complete visual loss due to cataracts. Estimates for diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma patients were 103 and 80 million persons, respectively. The economic expense of treating VTDs is enormous.
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Specific underprivileged communities are particularly affected by VTDs. Low socioeconomic position, for example, is linked to underutilizing ophthalmic services. Many of the people encountered at community screening centers are of this kind. Patients from marginalized communities face higher gaps in access to medical treatments during the COVID-19 epidemic than their counterparts.
How is Tele-Robotic Used in Ocular Evaluation?
In community screening settings, telerobotic consultation is an effective technique that should be used. Individuals who attend community screenings frequently have limited access to primary eye care. Tele-surgery is a surgical method that connects doctors and patients using wireless networking and robotic technologies. It is broken into three major parts: Telesurgery, telementoring, and teleconsultation are all options.
Surgeons can operate remotely using the telerobotic Zeus and Da Vinci surgical devices. These telerobots hold the camera, replace the surgeon's two hands with robotic equipment, and function as the surgeon's enslaver and enslaved person. They are distinguished by their ability to replicate the motions of the surgeon's wrist and various surgeon postures.
In an ophthalmic environment, AI, Machine Learning (ML), and Deep Learning (DL) have been used to confirm illness diagnoses, interpret pictures, and perform corneal topography mapping and intraocular lens calculations. Worldwide, the three most prevalent causes of permanent blindness are diabetic retinopathy (D.R.), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and glaucoma. COVID-19 has had an impact on healthcare systems.
AI applications in ophthalmology have emerged and will be employed more in clinical research, teaching, and patient care. During the COVID-19 epidemic, telemedicine came into its own. According to a new study, this situation increased patient acceptability of robotic telepresence (RT; Double Robotics), a mobile videoconferencing technology, during eye examinations. As a result, such modalities can increase patient access to treatment in places where care may be limited.
What is The Future of Tele-Robotic Consultation in Eye Care?
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Tele-robotic consultation is an excellent resource that should be used in community screening settings.
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Individuals who attend community screenings frequently lack access to primary eye care. Individuals with one or more VTDs have the danger of their condition progressing before treatment.
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Robotic telepresence enables one or more professionals to meet with patients instantaneously and assess the severity and priority of a clinical follow-up visit.
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The ability to screen and advise in a single visit decreases the impact of hurdles that might otherwise diminish the follow-up rate for persons from underprivileged populations, such as cost, transportation, or family and job responsibilities.
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As a result, adding an on-site consultation following screening helps eliminate socioeconomic obstacles that may limit follow-up involvement in those screened.
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, on-site telerobotic consulting provides several extra benefits. Contact between healthcare practitioners and patients is reduced with remote consultation.
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It also offers a more simplified method of referring people to professionals. The onsite results also increase screening and diagnostic efficiency in community screenings at critical periods when care may be restricted.
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In instances when care is inaccessible, robotic telepresence of doctors promotes patient education and contact. Future telerobotic consultation studies should include increasing deployment to different clinics and settings to assess referrals.
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Improving patient comfort and knowledge of physician telepresence may help improve patient comprehension and follow-up.
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These criteria are critical for enhancing treatment for people with limited access and ensuring access for the entire community in extreme need.
Conclusion
Tele-robotic consultation is an excellent resource that should be used in community screening settings. Individuals who attend community screenings frequently lack access to primary eye care. Telemedicine should be used in medical centers and community screenings long after the present epidemic has passed. It is a beautiful way to connect rural and underserved regions with vital specialized treatment.
The growing demand for ophthalmologists necessitates the development of creative solutions to expand the number of people who can receive eye care. While community screenings benefit individuals in need by providing free services, they necessitate on-site technologists and image graders to interpret results and communicate with patients. Telerobotic consultation has the potential to play a significant role in reducing barriers to medical access since it removes the requirement for on-site graders.
