The application of deep learning techniques and image analytics technology has been tremendous since its inception. Since 2015, the International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE:IBM) researchers have applied the use of the technology to 88,000 de-identified retina images in analyzing key anomalies of the eye.
However, the researchers have discovered something else that may help doctors in the early detection of eye diseases. They have trained a research version of Watson, which according to the IBM has the capability of detecting features of other eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy.
Medical images represent a rich source of data for clinicians
Every clinician is obligated to carry out a meticulous diagnosis before prescribing any form of treatment. In this case, images are better suited for this and at this point, cognitive technology comes in handy. IBM says that it is already making plans for having Watson connect to primary, acute and behavioral data, a move that will facilitate a more complete view of a patient.
The principal investigator at Centre for Eye Research Australia, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Melbourne, Dr. Peter van Wijngaarden confirms, “The development of image analytics and deep learning technology will provide great promise in this area.”
Cognitive technology holds immense promise
Records have it that close to 150,000 Australians are suffering from glaucoma and according to Wijngaarden, the number is expected to rise. However, there is hope of taming these numbers given the entry of Watson, which will be seeking to enlarge the cognitive computing footprint.
There is a lot of promise of accuracy reproducibility, and efficiency from cognitive technology. Lab director at IBM Research Australia, Dr. Joanna Batstone says that it has the capacity to bring essential change into the output of healthcare services. On the other hand, IBM has also committed to enhancing the Watson Health cloud effort with an HIPAA-compliant data platform. This will be incorporated in the next wave of innovation.
In the meantime, IBM has rolled out a Watson Health Consulting unit, which is expected to give health care providers order in their flow of work. Meanwhile, IBM’s stock was trading at $180.67 a fall of $0.76 or 0.42%
