Innovative Smartphone Technique Promises Noninvasive Detection of Anemia in Children

Anemia, characterized by low hemoglobin levels in the blood, remains a significant health challenge globally, affecting nearly 2 billion people. Children, especially those in low- and middle-income countries, are particularly vulnerable to this condition, which can hinder growth, learning, and overall development if left untreated. Traditional diagnostic methods typically involve blood draws and laboratory analysis, resources that are often scarce or inaccessible in resource-limited settings.

Recent advancements suggest a promising alternative: utilizing smartphone images of the eye's conjunctiva—the inner eyelid and the white part of the eye—to predict anemia. A study published in iophotonics Discoveryxplores this innovative approach, where researchers used standard smartphones to capture over 12,000 grayscale images from 565 children aged between 5 and 15 years. They employed machine learning algorithms combined with radiomic analysis—a technique that mathematically assesses patterns and textures in images—to identify features associated with anemia.

Shaun Hong, the study's first author and a doctoral student at Purdue University, explains that this method diverges from previous efforts that depended heavily on color analysis or specialized imaging tools. Instead, it examines minute structural changes in blood vessels within the eye, utilizing black-and-white photos. This approach minimizes issues related to varying lighting conditions and different camera models, making it practical in diverse environments.

The findings reveal a significant correlation between specific spatial features in the images and anemia status. This suggests that anemia screening could be performed using just a smartphone and basic software, enabling faster, noninvasive, and cost-effective identification of at-risk children. Such technology could be especially beneficial in remote or underserved areas where traditional testing is unavailable.

Professor Young L. Kim of Purdue University emphasizes that this technology is intended to supplement, not replace, existing diagnostic methods. It can serve as an initial screening tool to help prioritize children who require further evaluation and treatment. With ongoing development, integrating this method into mobile health applications could support early intervention efforts in regions with limited healthcare access.

This research opens new avenues for affordable and accessible anemia detection, leveraging everyday technology to improve healthcare outreach and reduce the burden of undiagnosed blood disorders in vulnerable populations.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-smartphone-eye-photos-anemia-children.html