Qatar – A British-Pakistani scientist has developed an advanced AI-powered eye scanning technology that could help doctors detect dementia and other neurological diseases years before symptoms begin to appear, marking a major breakthrough in medical research and preventive healthcare.
Professor Rayaz Malik, a renowned researcher based at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, unveiled the innovative technology that uses high-resolution eye scans and artificial intelligence to identify tiny nerve fibre damage linked to diseases such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetic neuropathy.
According to researchers, the scan takes only a few minutes and works by examining the cornea, the transparent front layer of the eye that contains a dense network of nerves. Scientists believe these nerves can provide early warning signs of damage occurring within the brain and nervous system long before patients begin showing visible symptoms.
Professor Malik explained that many dementia patients are diagnosed only after years of silent neurological decline. He said the new technology could allow doctors to identify patients during the earliest stages of the disease, potentially improving treatment outcomes and slowing progression through timely medical intervention.
Artificial intelligence plays a central role in the system by rapidly analysing thousands of microscopic nerve patterns with greater speed and precision than traditional manual examinations. Researchers say the use of AI significantly improves the accuracy of early disease detection and may transform the future of neurological screening worldwide.
Medical experts believe the breakthrough could be especially beneficial for countries facing rising rates of diabetes and age-related neurological disorders, including Pakistan. The technology is also being viewed as a major step toward affordable, non-invasive, and accessible healthcare solutions for millions of patients globally.
The development has drawn attention from the international medical community, with specialists calling it a promising advancement in the fight against dementia and chronic neurological illnesses.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.
