Social media in ophthalmology: A comprehensive literature review

Abstract

We examine the role of social media in ophthalmology, focusing on its impact on patient education, professional networking, and practice promotion. An English language, PubMed search from 2019 to 2024 was performed using the search terms: “social media” and “ophthalmology” on PubMed. An analysis based on the existing usage patterns and impact/effect of social media platforms in ophthalmology was performed and is described. Fifty-five papers were included in the review. Social media enhance patient engagement and education with varying content quality. Platforms like X and YouTube have the potential to offer valuable educational content, while Instagram and TikTok foster interactive user engagement. Despite these benefits, misinformation, patient confidentiality, and time commitment remain a considerable issue. Social media provide substantial advantages for ophthalmologists, but requires careful management to address the spread of inaccurate information and ensure content quality.