Role of technologies in early diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases in older people
Information for nursing staff, 2025, 57(2), 46-54.
K. Arsenova
Department of Health Care, Faculty of Public Health Care, “Prof. Tsekomir Vodenicharov, MD, DMedSC”, Medical University – Sofia, University I MHAT –Sofia, “Sv. Yoan Krastitel”
Abstract. In Bulgaria, the ageing of population leads to an exponential increase in eye diseases such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy. According to Eurostat (2022), 21.3% of the population is over 65 years of age, and this proportion is projected to reach 28.9% by 2050. Untreated eye diseases represent a serious economic burden, estimated at approximately EUR 550 million per year. Early diagnosis through innovative technologies including telemedicine, artificial intelligence (AI) and portable diagnostic devices, is critical for the optimization of clinical outcomes and reduction of healthcare costs. Similar technologies enable effective remote consultations, automated analysis of ophthalmological images and precise biometric measurements which leads to earlier detection of disease and personalized treatment.
Key words: technologies, early diagnosis, ocular diseases, telemedicine, artificial intelligence, portable devices