Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Fact Check: Can Ivermectin Treat Malaria?

A recent study published in <em>The New England Journal of Medicine </em>has revealed that mass administration of <span>ivermectin</span>, a drug long used for treating river blindness and scabies, can significantly reduce <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/malaria">malaria</a></span> transmission when combined with insecticide-treated bed nets. 

The findings come from the BOHEMIA trial, the largest study of its kind, which demonstrated a 26% reduction in new malaria infections on top of existing prevention methods.

<h2>What Does The Study Say: The BOHEMIA Trial</h2>

The BOHEMIA project (Broad One Health Endectocide-based Malaria Intervention in Africa) was coordinated by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), with support from the “la Caixa” Foundation, and conducted in collaboration with the Manhica Health Research Centre (CISM) in Mozambique and the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kenya.

The trial involved two large-scale Mass Drug Administration (MDA) programs in Kwale County, Kenya, and Mopeia district, Mozambique. Participants received a monthly dose of ivermectin (400 mcg/kg) for three consecutive months during the rainy season. In total, more than 20,000 participants took part, and over 56,000 treatments were administered.

Malaria remains a major global health threat. In 2023 alone, there were 263 million cases worldwide, leading to nearly 600,000 deaths. Standard prevention measures such as long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) have been losing effectiveness due to growing insecticide resistance and changes in mosquito behavior. Mosquitoes increasingly bite outdoors or during hours when people are not under bed nets, limiting the reach of existing strategies.

<strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/fact-check-can-ivermectin-really-treat-cancer-article-151331776" data-type="tilCustomLink">Fact Check: Can Ivermectin Really Treat Cancer?</a>

This urgent challenge has fueled research into innovative tools like ivermectin. While the drug has historically been used against neglected tropical diseases such as onchocerciasis (river blindness) and lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), researchers have discovered that mosquitoes feeding on individuals treated with ivermectin die, thereby reducing malaria transmission.

<h2>Results From Kenya and Mozambique</h2>

In Kwale County, Kenya, where the intervention targeted children aged 5 to 15, ivermectin led to a 26% reduction in malaria incidence compared to the control group treated with albendazole. In Mozambique, where the study focused on children under five, the drug also showed promise in curbing transmission.

Importantly, the safety profile of ivermectin was reassuring. No severe adverse drug reactions were recorded, and only mild, short-lived side effects were reported, consistent with previous campaigns where the drug was used against other parasitic diseases.

<h2>Expert Reactions and Global Significance</h2>

Researchers leading the trial have expressed optimism. “Ivermectin has shown great promise in reducing malaria transmission and could complement existing control measures. With continued research, it could become an effective tool for malaria elimination,” said Carlos Chaccour, co-principal investigator of the BOHEMIA project.

The findings also meet the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) criteria for evaluating new vector control tools. According to Joseph Mwangangi of the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, ivermectin could be a vital complementary strategy in areas grappling with insecticide resistance. BOHEMIA’s lead entomologist, Marta Maia of the University of Oxford, echoed this view, noting that the results highlight ivermectin’s potential to bolster malaria control programs.

The WHO vector control advisory group has reviewed the findings and confirmed their impact, recommending further large-scale studies. Results have also been shared with national health authorities, who will consider whether ivermectin should be included in official malaria control programs.

While more evidence is needed, the BOHEMIA trial marks a significant step forward in the global fight against malaria. If scaled effectively, ivermectin could become a powerful complement to existing tools, offering new hope in reducing the burden of one of the world’s deadliest diseases.

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A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine has revealed that mass administration of ivermectin, a drug long used for treating river blindness and scabies, can significantly reduce malaria transmission when combined with insecticide-treated bed nets. The findings come from the BOHEMIA trial, the largest study of its kind, which demonstrated a 26% reduction in new malaria infections on top of existing prevention methods.What Does The Study Say: The BOHEMIA TrialThe BOHEMIA project (Broad One Health Endectocide-based Malaria Intervention in Africa) was coordinated by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), with support from the “la Caixa” Foundation, and conducted in collaboration with the Manhica Health Research Centre (CISM) in Mozambique and the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kenya.The trial involved two large-scale Mass Drug Administration (MDA) programs in Kwale County, Kenya, and Mopeia district, Mozambique. Participants received a monthly dose of ivermectin (400 mcg/kg) for three consecutive months during the rainy season. In total, more than 20,000 participants took part, and over 56,000 treatments were administered.Why Is A New Approach Needed?Malaria remains a major global health threat. In 2023 alone, there were 263 million cases worldwide, leading to nearly 600,000 deaths. Standard prevention measures such as long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) have been losing effectiveness due to growing insecticide resistance and changes in mosquito behavior. Mosquitoes increasingly bite outdoors or during hours when people are not under bed nets, limiting the reach of existing strategies.Also Read: Fact Check: Can Ivermectin Really Treat Cancer?This urgent challenge has fueled research into innovative tools like ivermectin. While the drug has historically been used against neglected tropical diseases such as onchocerciasis (river blindness) and lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), researchers have discovered that mosquitoes feeding on individuals treated with ivermectin die, thereby reducing malaria transmission.Results From Kenya and MozambiqueIn Kwale County, Kenya, where the intervention targeted children aged 5 to 15, ivermectin led to a 26% reduction in malaria incidence compared to the control group treated with albendazole. In Mozambique, where the study focused on children under five, the drug also showed promise in curbing transmission.Importantly, the safety profile of ivermectin was reassuring. No severe adverse drug reactions were recorded, and only mild, short-lived side effects were reported, consistent with previous campaigns where the drug was used against other parasitic diseases.Expert Reactions and Global SignificanceResearchers leading the trial have expressed optimism. “Ivermectin has shown great promise in reducing malaria transmission and could complement existing control measures. With continued research, it could become an effective tool for malaria elimination,” said Carlos Chaccour, co-principal investigator of the BOHEMIA project.The findings also meet the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) criteria for evaluating new vector control tools. According to Joseph Mwangangi of the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, ivermectin could be a vital complementary strategy in areas grappling with insecticide resistance. BOHEMIA’s lead entomologist, Marta Maia of the University of Oxford, echoed this view, noting that the results highlight ivermectin’s potential to bolster malaria control programs.What Comes Next?The WHO vector control advisory group has reviewed the findings and confirmed their impact, recommending further large-scale studies. Results have also been shared with national health authorities, who will consider whether ivermectin should be included in official malaria control programs.While more evidence is needed, the BOHEMIA trial marks a significant step forward in the global fight against malaria. If scaled effectively, ivermectin could become a powerful complement to existing tools, offering new hope in reducing the burden of one of the world’s deadliest diseases.

fact check: can ivermectin treat malaria?

Aarushi Bhadury

Could Eye Drops Replace Glasses? New Study Reveals Breakthrough for Long-Sightedness

could eye drops replace glasses? new study reveals breakthrough for long-sightedness

5 Warning Signs Of Heart Attack You Should Not Ignore, According To Top US Cardiologists

5 warning signs of heart attack you should not ignore, according to top us cardiologists

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Dan Marino Shares What Helped Him Treat His Liver Disease, Details Inside

dan marino shares what helped him treat his liver disease, details inside

Is Your Mindset Making You Sick? Study Finds Negative Thinking Harms Elderly Health

is your mindset making you sick? study finds negative thinking harms elderly health

<span>Frank Grillo</span>, the 60-year-old actor known for his roles in superhero films like Superman Peacemaker, recently opened up about how he gets in shape for the big screen. In a recent interview on the Men’s Health “Strong Talk” podcast, he candidly discussed his use of steroids, revealing that many actors use similar methods to prepare for roles. 

Grillo spoke on his use of the steroid medication, and gave his view on its criticism. As a part of his <span>Testosterone Replacement Therapy</span> treatment, which helps improve symptoms of low <span>testosterone</span>, he took the medication, and it helped him deal with many age-related health issues. 

<h2>Why <span rel="noindex">Does Frank Grillo Use Steroids</span>? </h2>

Grillo shared that about six years ago, he found out his natural testosterone levels were low. To fix this, he started using testosterone replacement therapy. He says this treatment has helped him in many ways, like improving his sleep, speeding up his recovery after workouts, and making him feel happier in general. Grillo doesn't hide his use of steroids. 

He pushes back against people who call it “cheating,” arguing that as an actor, he isn’t competing in a sport like football or wrestling. Instead, he’s simply trying to look the part for a movie role and, in his words, is "not cheating at anything except aging." He also points out that when actors are hired for a superhero movie, there’s an expectation to look a certain way, and sometimes that means using medications like Anavar, a steroid that acts like testosterone. 

<h2>How Do You Build ‘Superhero’ Physiques? </h2>

Grillo claims that what he's doing is not uncommon in Hollywood. He believes that many other actors also use steroids to quickly achieve dramatic body transformations for their roles. He mentioned that drugs like <span>Anavar and Deca</span>, which is another type of steroid, are now often prescribed by doctors, which means their use can be monitored by a medical professional. 

Grillo was very clear that incredibly muscular bodies aren't natural. He explains that it's just not realistic for someone to look one way for most of the year and then suddenly gain 35 pounds of muscle. He says that while many actors might not want to talk about it, everyone in the industry knows exactly what’s going on.

According to US National Cancer Institute, Oxandrolone is a man-made drug that's very similar to testosterone, a natural hormone in our bodies. It works by attaching to and activating certain receptors, which are like tiny switches in our cells. Because of this, oxandrolone is used for several reasons, including: 

<strong>Testosterone replacement therapy: </strong>To help men who have low testosterone levels.

<strong>HIV-wasting syndrome: </strong>To help people with HIV who are losing a lot of weight and muscle.

<strong>Other conditions:</strong> To help the body hold onto more nitrogen (which is key for building muscle) and to increase lean muscle mass. 

<h2>How Does Aging Effect Testosterone For Men? </h2>

According to Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), as men get older, it's common for them to experience a natural decline in both testosterone and muscle mass. While this is a normal part of aging, there are ways to fight back against it. 

Testosterone is a crucial hormone for men. It helps build muscle by creating proteins, which in turn increases muscle strength. Starting around age 40, a man's testosterone levels gradually drop by about 1-2% each year. This decline can lead to symptoms like fatigue, hair loss, and depression, but many men don't realize what's causing these changes because testosterone levels aren't always checked during a routine doctor's visit.

Frank Grillo

testosterone

anavar and deca

Frank Grillo steroids

Frank Grillo Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

does frank grillo use steroids

What Is Anavar

Frank Grillo, the 60-year-old actor known for his roles in superhero films like Superman Peacemaker, recently opened up about how he gets in shape for the big screen. In a recent interview on the Men’s Health “Strong Talk” podcast, he candidly discussed his use of steroids, revealing that many actors use similar methods to prepare for roles. Grillo spoke on his use of the steroid medication, and gave his view on its criticism. As a part of his Testosterone Replacement Therapy treatment, which helps improve symptoms of low testosterone, he took the medication, and it helped him deal with many age-related health issues. Why Does Frank Grillo Use Steroids? Grillo shared that about six years ago, he found out his natural testosterone levels were low. To fix this, he started using testosterone replacement therapy. He says this treatment has helped him in many ways, like improving his sleep, speeding up his recovery after workouts, and making him feel happier in general. Grillo doesn't hide his use of steroids. He pushes back against people who call it “cheating,” arguing that as an actor, he isn’t competing in a sport like football or wrestling. Instead, he’s simply trying to look the part for a movie role and, in his words, is "not cheating at anything except aging." He also points out that when actors are hired for a superhero movie, there’s an expectation to look a certain way, and sometimes that means using medications like Anavar, a steroid that acts like testosterone. How Do You Build ‘Superhero’ Physiques? Grillo claims that what he's doing is not uncommon in Hollywood. He believes that many other actors also use steroids to quickly achieve dramatic body transformations for their roles. He mentioned that drugs like Anavar and Deca, which is another type of steroid, are now often prescribed by doctors, which means their use can be monitored by a medical professional. Grillo was very clear that incredibly muscular bodies aren't natural. He explains that it's just not realistic for someone to look one way for most of the year and then suddenly gain 35 pounds of muscle. He says that while many actors might not want to talk about it, everyone in the industry knows exactly what’s going on.What Is Anavar/ Oxandrolone? According to US National Cancer Institute, Oxandrolone is a man-made drug that's very similar to testosterone, a natural hormone in our bodies. It works by attaching to and activating certain receptors, which are like tiny switches in our cells. Because of this, oxandrolone is used for several reasons, including: Testosterone replacement therapy: To help men who have low testosterone levels.HIV-wasting syndrome: To help people with HIV who are losing a lot of weight and muscle.Other conditions: To help the body hold onto more nitrogen (which is key for building muscle) and to increase lean muscle mass. How Does Aging Effect Testosterone For Men? According to Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), as men get older, it's common for them to experience a natural decline in both testosterone and muscle mass. While this is a normal part of aging, there are ways to fight back against it. Testosterone is a crucial hormone for men. It helps build muscle by creating proteins, which in turn increases muscle strength. Starting around age 40, a man's testosterone levels gradually drop by about 1-2% each year. This decline can lead to symptoms like fatigue, hair loss, and depression, but many men don't realize what's causing these changes because testosterone levels aren't always checked during a routine doctor's visit.

frank grillo on steroid use: 'i’m not cheating at anything except aging'

India Sees Rising Death Risk From Chronic Diseases While Other Countries Report Decline, Finds Lancet Study

A Higher Dose Of Semaglutide Helps 1 In 3 Obese Adults Lose 25% Body Weight: Lancet Study

higher dose of weight loss medicine is not only safe, but could also be better for weight loss in obese adults

Parenting

Fact Check: Is Giving Birth On Your Back Against Your Body's Natural Anatomy?

fact check: is giving birth on your back against your body's natural anatomy?

Want To Live Till 100? Japan Sets Record Of Almost 100,000 People Aged Over 100

want to live till 100? japan sets record of almost 100,000 people aged over 100

A new global analysis published in <em>The Lancet</em> has revealed that <strong>the probability of dying from non-communicable diseases (<span rel="noindex">NCDs</span>) such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease has increased in India </strong>over the past decade. The study points out that while<strong> four out of every five countries saw a decline in chances of dying from a chronic disease</strong>, India may stand as an outlier in this health trend.

The study, conducted by researchers from <em><strong>Imperial College London</strong></em>, the<strong><em> World Health Organisation (WHO)</em></strong>, and other global institutions, looked at mortality<strong> data from 185 countries and territories between 2010 and 2019</strong>. India registered a worrying rise, with women experiencing a sharper increase than men.

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Globally, the probability of dying from an NCD between birth and age 80 <strong>declined in 82% of countries for females and in 79% for males</strong>. These improvements were largely due to fewer deaths from cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, and conditions such as stroke.

In stark contrast, India joined a small group of countries, including Papua New Guinea,, where deaths from chronic illnesses went up for both genders. The analysis noted that “deaths from most causes of chronic disease increased in India, with heart disease and diabetes contributing heavily.”

The report also underlined that among large nations, countries such as China, Egypt, Nigeria, Russia, and Brazil recorded declines in both male and female chronic disease death risks, highlighting India’s outlier status.

The <span>Lancet study</span> highlighted an alarming<strong> gender divide in India</strong>. While both men and women saw an increase in mortality risk, the rise was steeper for women. This suggests that Indian women are facing growing vulnerability to lifestyle-related illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, potentially compounded by limited access to timely diagnosis and treatment.

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Globally, women have generally benefited more from improved chronic disease management compared to men. India’s reversal of that trend raises fresh concerns about the country’s ability to meet health equity goals.

Experts say India’s growing urbanization, dietary changes, sedentary lifestyles, and high levels of air pollution are fueling the surge in NCDs, as is also stated in a recent 2025 study published in <em>Cureus</em>, titled: <em>Urban-Rural Health Transitions in India: A Comprehensive Review of Non-communicable Disease Trends and Risk Landscapes</em>. Additionally, another 2023 study published in <em>Cureus</em>, titled: <em>The Transformation of The Indian Healthcare System</em>, notes that the country has long struggled with health system constraints, including unequal access to preventive and primary care.

While deaths from communicable diseases have declined due to better vaccination and treatment, the vacuum has been filled by chronic conditions that demand long-term management. The study points to heart disease and diabetes as the leading drivers of India’s rising death risk, alongside growing cases of dementia, alcohol-related disorders, and cancers of the pancreas and liver.

<h2>Global Commitments Under Pressure</h2>

The findings come at a critical time. Nations, under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), have pledged to<strong> reduce premature mortality from NCDs by one-third by 2030</strong>. The upcoming Fourth High-Level Meeting of the UN General Assembly is expected to set out a new vision for tackling these conditions, including scaling up prevention and treatment.

For India, however, the new data suggests the country risks falling further behind on these global commitments.

more chronic disease deaths in india

Lancet study india

chronic disease india

india has risk of dying from ncds

lancet study

heart health

cardiovascular health

non communicable diseases

NCDs

A new global analysis published in The Lancet has revealed that the probability of dying from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease has increased in India over the past decade. The study points out that while four out of every five countries saw a decline in chances of dying from a chronic disease, India may stand as an outlier in this health trend.The study, conducted by researchers from Imperial College London, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and other global institutions, looked at mortality data from 185 countries and territories between 2010 and 2019. India registered a worrying rise, with women experiencing a sharper increase than men.Also Read: A Viral Instagram Post Makes Several Claims On What Makes Your Kids Sick After A Swimming Session, We Fact Checked It For You, Here's What We Found What the Numbers ShowGlobally, the probability of dying from an NCD between birth and age 80 declined in 82% of countries for females and in 79% for males. These improvements were largely due to fewer deaths from cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, and conditions such as stroke.In stark contrast, India joined a small group of countries, including Papua New Guinea,, where deaths from chronic illnesses went up for both genders. The analysis noted that “deaths from most causes of chronic disease increased in India, with heart disease and diabetes contributing heavily.”The report also underlined that among large nations, countries such as China, Egypt, Nigeria, Russia, and Brazil recorded declines in both male and female chronic disease death risks, highlighting India’s outlier status.Women Face Higher RiskThe Lancet study highlighted an alarming gender divide in India. While both men and women saw an increase in mortality risk, the rise was steeper for women. This suggests that Indian women are facing growing vulnerability to lifestyle-related illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, potentially compounded by limited access to timely diagnosis and treatment.Also Read: A Higher Dose Of Semaglutide Helps 1 In 3 Obese Adults Lose 25% Body Weight: Lancet StudyGlobally, women have generally benefited more from improved chronic disease management compared to men. India’s reversal of that trend raises fresh concerns about the country’s ability to meet health equity goals.What Is Driving the Trend?Experts say India’s growing urbanization, dietary changes, sedentary lifestyles, and high levels of air pollution are fueling the surge in NCDs, as is also stated in a recent 2025 study published in Cureus, titled: Urban-Rural Health Transitions in India: A Comprehensive Review of Non-communicable Disease Trends and Risk Landscapes. Additionally, another 2023 study published in Cureus, titled: The Transformation of The Indian Healthcare System, notes that the country has long struggled with health system constraints, including unequal access to preventive and primary care.While deaths from communicable diseases have declined due to better vaccination and treatment, the vacuum has been filled by chronic conditions that demand long-term management. The study points to heart disease and diabetes as the leading drivers of India’s rising death risk, alongside growing cases of dementia, alcohol-related disorders, and cancers of the pancreas and liver.Global Commitments Under PressureThe findings come at a critical time. Nations, under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), have pledged to reduce premature mortality from NCDs by one-third by 2030. The upcoming Fourth High-Level Meeting of the UN General Assembly is expected to set out a new vision for tackling these conditions, including scaling up prevention and treatment.For India, however, the new data suggests the country risks falling further behind on these global commitments.

india sees rising death risk from chronic diseases while other countries report decline, finds lancet study

AI Can Predict Blindness Years Before It Happens: Major Breakthrough in Eye Health

Why 1 In 6 U.S. Parents Are Rejecting Vaccine Recommendations

why 1 in 6 u.s. parents are rejecting vaccine recommendations

congo ebola outbreak caused by the zaire strain so far has 28 deaths, confirms who

The past year we have observed more and more incorporation of AI in different aspects of our life. Not just for writing or making pictures, it is also now being used to identify people’s faces through facial recognition software, helping in documentation as well as in medicine. New software are being developed to assist medical professionals, not only does this help them identify diseases but also speeds up the process. 

Having AI in medicine could also lower the cost and help many people get the help they need. This has led researchers to look for different ways to teach AI how to recognize and diagnose issues. One such disease that can cause people blindness, could actually be identified by AI, according to new research. 

A new study has shown that <span>artificial intelligence</span> (AI) can accurately predict which patients with a condition called keratoconus need treatment to save their vision. This research, presented at the 43rd Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS), is a major breakthrough for managing this eye disease, which often affects young adults. The findings were shared at a major conference for eye surgeons. 

Keratoconus is an eye condition where the cornea, the clear, front part of the eye, starts to bulge outwards and change shape. This causes vision to become blurry and distorted. If the condition gets worse, a person might eventually need a cornea transplant, which is a major surgery. 

Right now, doctors can only track the disease by having patients come in for frequent check-ups over many years. This is time-consuming for both the patient and the hospital. The main treatment, called cross-linking, is very successful at stopping the disease, but doctors haven't had a reliable way to know which patients will get worse and need the treatment right away versus those who can just be watched. 

<h2>How the <span rel="noindex">AI Algorithm Works For</span> Medicine</h2>

Researchers from a London eye hospital and a university created an AI program to help with this problem. They trained the AI using over 36,000 images of patients' eyes taken with a special scanner. The AI looked at these images and other patient data to learn how to predict the disease's future course. 

The AI's performance was very impressive. It was able to correctly sort patients into two groups from their very first visit: a low-risk group that didn't need immediate treatment, and a high-risk group that did. The AI was correct about two-thirds of the time. When the researchers added data from a second visit, the AI's accuracy jumped to 90%, meaning it was right nine out of ten times. 

This new AI tool could change how doctors treat keratoconus. By using the AI to identify high-risk patients early, doctors could perform the preventative cross-linking treatment before vision gets worse. This would help patients avoid vision loss and the need for a major surgery like a corneal transplant. 

For low-risk patients, the AI would prevent them from having to make unnecessary and frequent hospital visits, which would also free up doctors and hospital resources. The researchers are now working on making the AI even better, with the goal of using it to help with other eye problems as well, such as infections and inherited diseases.

Vision Loss and AI

ai algorithm works for

can AI diagnose

AI and Vision Loss

Can AI detect Vision Loss

artificial intelligence

The past year we have observed more and more incorporation of AI in different aspects of our life. Not just for writing or making pictures, it is also now being used to identify people’s faces through facial recognition software, helping in documentation as well as in medicine. New software are being developed to assist medical professionals, not only does this help them identify diseases but also speeds up the process. Having AI in medicine could also lower the cost and help many people get the help they need. This has led researchers to look for different ways to teach AI how to recognize and diagnose issues. One such disease that can cause people blindness, could actually be identified by AI, according to new research. A new study has shown that artificial intelligence (AI) can accurately predict which patients with a condition called keratoconus need treatment to save their vision. This research, presented at the 43rd Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS), is a major breakthrough for managing this eye disease, which often affects young adults. The findings were shared at a major conference for eye surgeons. What is Keratoconus? Keratoconus is an eye condition where the cornea, the clear, front part of the eye, starts to bulge outwards and change shape. This causes vision to become blurry and distorted. If the condition gets worse, a person might eventually need a cornea transplant, which is a major surgery. Right now, doctors can only track the disease by having patients come in for frequent check-ups over many years. This is time-consuming for both the patient and the hospital. The main treatment, called cross-linking, is very successful at stopping the disease, but doctors haven't had a reliable way to know which patients will get worse and need the treatment right away versus those who can just be watched. How the AI Algorithm Works For MedicineResearchers from a London eye hospital and a university created an AI program to help with this problem. They trained the AI using over 36,000 images of patients' eyes taken with a special scanner. The AI looked at these images and other patient data to learn how to predict the disease's future course. The AI's performance was very impressive. It was able to correctly sort patients into two groups from their very first visit: a low-risk group that didn't need immediate treatment, and a high-risk group that did. The AI was correct about two-thirds of the time. When the researchers added data from a second visit, the AI's accuracy jumped to 90%, meaning it was right nine out of ten times. Patient Care This new AI tool could change how doctors treat keratoconus. By using the AI to identify high-risk patients early, doctors could perform the preventative cross-linking treatment before vision gets worse. This would help patients avoid vision loss and the need for a major surgery like a corneal transplant. For low-risk patients, the AI would prevent them from having to make unnecessary and frequent hospital visits, which would also free up doctors and hospital resources. The researchers are now working on making the AI even better, with the goal of using it to help with other eye problems as well, such as infections and inherited diseases.

ai can predict blindness years before it happens: major breakthrough in eye health

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Fact Check: Can Ivermectin Treat Malaria?

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Frank Grillo On Steroid Use: 'I’m Not Cheating At Anything Except Aging'

India Sees Rising Death Risk From Chronic Diseases While Other Countries Report Decline, Finds Lancet Study

AI Can Predict Blindness Years Before It Happens: Major Breakthrough in Eye Health

Health Conditions A-Z

Frank Grillo On Steroid Use: 'I’m Not Cheating At Anything Except Aging'

Fact Check: Can Ivermectin Treat Malaria?

Congo Ebola Outbreak Caused By The Zaire Strain So Far Has 28 Deaths, Confirms WHO