Machine Learning Techniques in Keratoconus Classification: A Systematic Review

Machine learning (ML) algorithms are being integrated into several disciplines. Ophthalmology is one field of health sector that has benefited from the advantages and capacities of ML in processing of different types of data. In a large number of studies, the detection and classification of various diseases, such as keratoconus, was carried out by analyzing corneal characteristics, in different data types (images, measurements, etc.), using ML tools. The main objective of this study was to conduct a rigorous systematic review of the use of ML techniques in the detection and classification of keratoconus. Papers considered in this study were selected carefully from Scopus and Web of Science digital databases, according to their content and to the adoption of ML methods in the classification of keratoconus. The selected studies were reviewed to identify different ML techniques implemented and the data types handled in the diagnosis of keratoconus. A total of 38 articles, published between 2005 and 2022, were retained for review and discussion of their content.