AI Camera to Improve the Early Detection of Visual Conditions

More than 2.6 million people live with some kind of ocular condition in Mexico, according to INEGI. To address this challenge, the Ve por tu Salud alliance aims to enhance the lives of those affected through timely and complimentary diagnosis of visual issues, supported by artificial intelligence (AI).

"Today, in Mexico, there are three main barriers that hinder access to visual health: lack of information, accessibility, and costs," said Sylvia Warren, Director of Patient Attraction and Retention, Salauno.

In Mexico, over 45 million people have uncorrected refractive errors and there are over 4 million cases of untreated cataracts across the country, according to Warren. Altogether, these figures help contextualize why blindness ranks as the second leading cause of disability in Mexico, making it a critical public health concern, says Warren.

“The prevalence of these ophthalmologic diseases is on the rise due to the tendency of the public to prioritize internet information over professional advice, tendency to procrastinate on seeking timely medical intervention, and failure to focus on trusting quality therapeutic options,” said Juan Manuel Cardoso, Chief Medical Officer, Laboratorios Grin. 

The high prevalence of visual issues in Mexico is consistent with an aging population; a demographic group that is particularly susceptible to visual complications. A susceptibility that is further compounded by the escalating incidence of diabetes, which worsens the situation. Approximately 18% of Mexico's population is currently affected by diabetes—of which over half also suffer from visual impairments as a result of their condition. 

“When a patient with diabetes or hypertension visits the ophthalmologist, often expecting a quick fix for sudden vision loss, they usally arrive when approximately 90% of the damage to their retina has already occurred,” said Abelardo Vidaurreta, Director, RetinIA.  

The impact of visual health issues extends far beyond statistics as impaired vision can lead to diminished work capacity, a reduced quality of life, increased dependency on others, and a loss of self-confidence. To circumvent these potentialities, Laboratorios Grin, Salauno, and RetinIA have joined forces to form the Ve Por tu Salud alliance, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of regular specialist visits and preventive measures against ocular pathologies that, if left untreated, can cause irreversible damage. This alliance involves providing free eye screenings, allowing individuals to understand their ocular condition through a preliminary diagnosis using the Horus camera equipped with AI technology. 

“AI is now a reality and can assist in diagnosing patients promptly without the need for eye drops or invasive procedures. This specialized camera can immediately determine if a person has retinal lesions that could lead to blindness within ten years,” added Vidaurreta.

Upon receiving the diagnosis, individuals are eligible for a free complimentary consultation at Salauno. In its initial phase, this alliance will benefit over 3,000 individuals in Mexico City and the Metropolitan Area, with plans to expand its reach to other states. “We invite more allies to open spaces to reach a larger number of people and thereby reduce the economic and geographic barriers that often limit timely attention and early detection of ocular pathologies,” said Luis Guillermo Cortés, Director General, Laboratorios Grin.