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Advances in imaging and artificial intelligence (AI) have revolutionized the detection, quantification and monitoring for the clinical assessment of intermediate age-related macular degeneration (iAMD). The iAMD incorporates a broad spectrum of manifestations, which range from individual small drusen, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation up to early stages of geographical atrophy. Current high-resolution imaging technologies enable an accurate detection and description of anatomical features, such as drusen volumes, hyperreflexive foci and photoreceptor degeneration, which are risk factors that are decisive for prediction of the course of the disease; however, the manual annotation of these features in complex optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans is impractical for the routine clinical practice and research. In this context AI provides a solution by fully automatic segmentation and therefore delivers exact, reproducible and quantitative analyses of AMD-related biomarkers. Furthermore, the application of AI in iAMD facilitates the risk assessment and the development of structural endpoints for new forms of treatment. For example, the quantitative analysis of drusen volume and hyperreflective foci with AI algorithms has shown a correlation with the progression of the disease. These technological advances therefore improve not only the diagnostic precision but also support future targeted treatment strategies and contribute to the prioritized target of personalized medicine in the diagnostics and treatment of AMD., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

Background and Objective: Alport syndrome (AS) is a rare hereditary systemic disease that results in alterations of the kidneys, inner ear, and various structures of the eye. It is caused by mutations in one of the genes encoding collagen type IV. In recent years, new and innovative imaging techniques have added characteristics of ocular alterations in AS and provided new insights, including into the pathogenesis of the disease. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the current knowledge of ocular changes in AS, as well as to present the Alport ocular pass., Method: Narrative review article., Results: Ocular manifestations of AS include changes in the cornea, lens, and retina. Specifically, posterior polymorphic corneal dystrophy, anterior lenticonus (pathognomonic for AS), and various retinal changes have been described, which have been further characterized in recent years by newer imaging techniques. In particular, foveal changes in AS may present as both a thickened central retina in the context of foveal hypoplasia or a staircase-like thinning of the fovea. Both lesions could provide further insights into the role of type IV collagen in ocular structures., Conclusion: The AS can manifest in various structures of the eye. The staircase-like changes of the central retina in AS patients indicate the important role of collagen type IV in the homeostasis and regular function of the inner retinal layers. The often mild foveal hypoplasia may provide clues to the role of collagen type IV in retinal embryogenesis. While anterior lenticonus is pathognomonic for AS and can be treated easily by refractive lens exchange, the only option currently available for retinal alterations is close follow-up and, if necessary, treatment of systemic complications of AS., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)