Rayaz Malik Develops 2-Minute AI Eye Scan to Detect Dementia 10 Years Early
Updated
Updated · DAWN.com · May 21
Rayaz Malik Develops 2-Minute AI Eye Scan to Detect Dementia 10 Years Early
5 articles · Updated · DAWN.com · May 21
A 2- to 3-minute AI-powered corneal scan can flag dementia and diabetic nerve damage years before symptoms appear, according to Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar researcher Rayaz Malik.
The test uses corneal confocal microscopy to spot microscopic nerve-fibre loss in the eye, which Malik says mirrors damage elsewhere in the nervous system and can reveal mild cognitive impairment before MRI changes appear.
Malik said the technology can detect diabetic neuropathy up to 5 years earlier and identify underlying neurodegenerative disease with 90% to 95% certainty; some studies in diabetic neuropathy and Parkinson’s showed nearly 100% sensitivity and specificity.
The work builds on research dating to 2003 and has since been linked to nerve damage in diabetes, chemotherapy, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia and autism.
Wider rollout has been slowed by skepticism from neurologists and limited machine supply, though a new Chinese manufacturer could lower costs and expand access in high-diabetes countries such as Pakistan.
A new device could make early dementia screening affordable. Will it reach the world in time?
This eye scan predicts dementia 15 years early. But can medicine actually stop it?
Revolutionizing Early Disease Detection: AI-Driven Eye Scans for Dementia and Diabetic Nerve Damage in 2026
Overview
A groundbreaking AI-powered eye scan, developed by Professor Rayaz Malik at Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar, is transforming medical diagnostics by offering a rapid and non-invasive way to detect serious diseases. This innovative technology can identify early signs of neurodegenerative conditions like dementia and diabetic nerve damage years before symptoms appear. By enabling early detection, the scan allows for timely interventions that could change the course of these diseases. This marks a major step forward in proactive healthcare, making it possible to address health issues before they become severe.