J Glaucoma. 2026 Jun 9. doi: 10.1097/IJG.0000000000002744. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To summarize the main topics discussed during the 29th Annual Optic Nerve Rescue and Restoration Think Tank Meeting "THE FUTURE OF GLAUCOMA: HARNESSING DATA, AI, AND PRECISION MEDICINE FOR PATIENT-CENTERED CARE" held in New York on June 20th and 21st 2025.
METHODS: The main findings from presentations focusing on data integration and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to advance the understanding of primary open-angle glaucoma pathogenesis, as well as to improve disease diagnosis and management, are summarized.
RESULTS: The researchers discussed the importance of data integration for AI development, highlighting the specific challenges in the field of glaucoma, including data standardization and sharing, and the initiatives of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Eye Institute (NEI) in this context. Specific examples of the use of AI tools for advancing the knowledge in glaucoma pathophysiology, diagnosis and management are showcased.
CONCLUSIONS: AI is improving the understanding of glaucoma and enhancing its diagnosis and management. The NEI and NIH are spearheading several initiatives in AI, Ophthalmology, and Glaucoma; yet glaucoma as a disease entity remains without a unified definition. There is also a need to measure critical glaucoma endophenotypes with devices that possess uniform standards. For imaging devices, interoperability across platforms and data unfettered access could improve patient care and advance our understanding of glaucoma. With its rich data resources, the glaucoma community is uniquely positioned to lead a cultural shift, enabling larger datasets, stronger collaboration, and future studies that would help translate AI advances into clinical care.
PMID:42384719 | DOI:10.1097/IJG.0000000000002744