AI breakthrough could transform early detection of macular degeneration

A new four-year research project at the University of Southampton will use artificial intelligence to study age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Funded by Dame Mary Perkins, the initiative aims to predict how the condition worsens in patients. The work will form a key part of the newly established Institute for Medical Innovation, a partnership between the university and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.

The project will be led by PhD student Maria Patsiamanidi, who will analyse thousands of retinal images from the PINNACLE study. By applying machine learning, the team hopes to build a predictive model that flags high-risk patients before their vision deteriorates. Patsiamanidi thanked Dame Mary Perkins for her support, noting that the funding allows her to focus entirely on the research and work alongside leading experts.

AMD currently affects around 700,000 people in the UK, with one in five over-90s developing the condition. Early detection remains a major challenge, but Perkins emphasised that research is crucial for spotting AMD sooner and preserving patients' sight for longer. The £100 million Institute for Medical Innovation will bring together specialists in medicine, computer science, and engineering to tackle diseases like cancer, dementia, and sight loss. Bill Gardiner, Group Leader of the Guernsey Macular Society, welcomed the donation, calling it a vital step forward in AMD research and treatment.

The project will run for four years, with findings expected to improve early intervention for AMD patients. The institute's broader work will also address other major health conditions through cross-disciplinary collaboration. Dame Mary Perkins' funding ensures the research can proceed without delay.