[Smartphones in ophthalmology : Relief or toys for physicians?]

Abstract

Introduction: Smartphones offer a number of so-called medical and ophthalmic "apps" and their use will be investigated in this survey.

Methods: An Internet analysis was performed to identify available medical "apps" and evaluate their utilization. Search engines, developers' websites and webstores were screened with key words such as: "smartphone", "medical apps" and "eye test". The "apps" were evaluated for usability and with respective published reviews. In addition, an international survey among ophthalmologists asked about the use of a Smartphone and "apps" preferences. Direct inquiries were undertaken with developers on selected promising novel "apps".

Results: The more than 70 identified "apps" examined were subdivided into different categories A) examining function, B) photo and video recordings, C) office, D) patient education and informed consent as well as E) medical continued education functions and literature searching. The survey determined the iPhone to be the most popular Smartphone among the sampled ophthalmologists worldwide. Many popular "apps" have become available only recently and hence suffer in part from some initial technical problems. Some ophthalmic "apps" are very helpful in the emergency room or during consultations. Only a few "apps" were approved as medical products and therefore cannot substitute a full ophthalmic examination.

Conclusions: The increasing distribution of Smartphone "apps" in ophthalmology may have the potential to facilitate patient treatment, data management and communication.