A method for detecting and classifying defects in high-throughput transparent articles such as syringes, vials, cartridges, ampules, and bottles is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a stream of the articles; capturing a first digital image of each of the articles in the stream; inspecting the first digital image for objects; determining parameters of the objects; performing a first classification step to classify the objects into a first defect class and a second defect class; performing a second classification step to classify the objects into a plurality of defect types using at least two second classification models; comparing at least one object parameter of a classified object with a predetermined defect type dependent threshold; classifying the article as defective or non-defective based on the comparing step; and separating defective articles from non-defective articles.