A model-based consultation system for the long-term management of glaucoma

Abstract

This paper describes a computer-based system for consultation in the diagnosis and therapy of glaucoma. The reasoning procedures interpret the findings of a part icular patient in terms of a causal-associational network (CASNET) model that characterizes the pathophysiological mechanisms and c l i n i ca l course of treated and untreated diseases. The major new features of th is CASNET/glaucoma program are: a) generation of detailed and medically acceptable interpretat ions from a qual i tat ive model of glaucoma; b) reasoning about detailed follow-up management of a patient; c) incorporation of al ternat ive expert opinions about subjects under debate; and d) i t s test ing and updating by a collaborative computer-based network of glaucoma researchers.