Artificial Intelligence and Mechanistic Modeling: New Tools to Assist in the Management of Ocular and Systemic Disease

Dear Colleagues,

Artificial intelligence (AI) and physiology-based mechanistic models have emerged as useful tools that can aid in assessing the onset and progression of numerous ophthalmic diseases. AI algorithms are applied to a vast amount of data collected from individual patients and assist in identifying trends that correspond to the development of a disease.  Mechanistic models based on physical principles incorporate individual physiological factors and are currently being used to enhance the understanding of risk factors for disease onset and progression. For example, the use of AI and mechanistic models in the analysis of ocular blood flow and vascular morphology has recently enhanced the understanding of both ocular and systemic disease interconnectivity. 

This Special Issue of Photonics aims at presenting the status of AI and mechanistic modeling in the eye and discusses the utility of these techniques in improving disease diagnosis, treatment, and management. The success of these virtual modeling applications in other fields will also be evaluated as a way to offer insight into how these techniques may alter the course of ocular disease paradigms. Specifically, papers are solicited that demonstrate the use of AI and mechanistic modeling on individual diagnosis, treatment, and management of ocular diseases. Importantly, the health status of the eye is often an indicator of systemic problems, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Studies that manage Big Data and identify trends between ocular and systemic disease are especially encouraged. Researchers are invited to submit their contributions to this Special Issue. Topics include but are not limited to:

• Artificial intelligence;
• Mechanistic mathematical models;
• Machine learning and deep learning algorithms;
• Ocular disease, such as glaucoma;
• Systemic disease with ocular implications, including diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

Prof. Dr. Alon Harris
Prof. Dr. Julia Arciero
Prof. Dr. Giovanna Guidoboni
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• ophthalmology
• artificial intelligence
• mathematical modeling
• glaucoma
• systemic diseases