Smartphone eye photos may help detect anemia in children, finds study

First author Shaun Hong, a Purdue University PhD student, notes, “Unlike previous efforts that rely on color analysis or special imaging tools, this method doesn’t require color data. Instead, it uses black-and-white photos to examine tiny structural changes in the eye’s blood vessels. This approach avoids problems caused by different light conditions or camera models, making it more practical for use in a variety of settings.”

The results show a strong connection between specific spatial features and anemia status, pointing to the possibility of screening for anemia using just a smartphone and basic software. This could be especially useful in remote or under-resourced communities, offering a fast, noninvasive, and affordable way to identify children at risk.

Corresponding author Professor Young L. Kim of Purdue University remarks, “The technology isn’t meant to replace traditional testing but could help prioritize who needs further evaluation and treatment. With more development, the method could be integrated into mobile health tools to support early intervention in areas where healthcare access is limited.”

For details, see the original Gold Open Access article by S. G. Hong et al., “Radiomic identification of anemia features in monochromatic conjunctiva photographs in school-age children,” Biophotonics Discovery 2(2), 022303 (2025), doi: 10.1117/1.BIOS.2.2.022303.