Artificial intelligence and big data: technical considerations and clinical applications

Artificial intelligence (AI) and big data have attracted widespread attention in recent years, with research breakthroughs showing the potential for AI to enhance care and improve patient outcomes. Ophthalmology has been particularly rapid in its adoption of AI development and glaucoma care is emerging as a pathway that may benefit from AI implementation, with a high disease burden and availability of large datasets. In order for AI to be implemented, there are a number of technical considerations that must be overcome, including the development and security of appropriate datasets. Furthermore, while recent years have highlighted the potential of AI to transform patient care, they have also exposed key risks associated with AI development, including accountability, fairness, and ethico-legal considerations. This chapter explores the clinical applications of AI in glaucoma care, with discussion of ethical and technical considerations at all stages of the innovation process, from invention to implementation.