The value of social media in Ophthalmology

Abstract

Introduction: Social media have met increasing interest in Medicine. The author presents the published evidence on the use of social media in Ophthalmology, and provides insight on the benefits and downsides of the widespread use of social media in the field.

Methods: References were searched using PubMed and GoogleScholar, by searching publications in English from January 2011 to February 2019 using the terms "social media AND ophthalmology" in any part of the text; additional research was made for specific social media in a number of ophthalmic diseases.

Results: Fourteen publications were found on the use of social media in Ophthalmology, and diseases approached were cataract surgery, glaucoma, retinal diseases, pediatric ophthalmology, and corneal transplantation.

Discussion: Social media promote the expansion of knowledge and the divulgation of scientific findings. However, significant limitations arise from the use of social media, from the scientific quality standpoint, and likewise its use raises ethical and social issues.