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Review
. 2021 Mar;69(3):548-553.
doi: 10.4103/ijo.IJO_1480_20.

Smartphone applications in ophthalmology: A quantitative analysis

Lokeshwari Aruljyothi  1 , Anuja Janakiraman  1 , B Malligarjun  1 , Balasundaram Manohar Babu  1
Affiliations
Review

Smartphone applications in ophthalmology: A quantitative analysis

Lokeshwari Aruljyothi et al. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2021 Mar.

Abstract

Purpose: There is limited information in literature about the scope and usability of Smartphone Applications (Apps) in ophthalmology. Eye care professionals are therefore skeptical about the benefits of smartphone Apps and are reluctant to adopt it in their day to day practice. The purpose of this study was to provide an updated overview of all Apps exclusive to ophthalmology.

Methods: This study was a quantitative analysis of Smartphone Apps exclusively designed for ophthalmic care. The Apple iPhone and Google play store were searched for eye care themed Apps. Any App related to eye treatment and management such as visual acuity screening, eye education, calculators, eBooks, Low Vision Aids were included in the study. Data on the purpose of the Apps, target end-users, validation, App usage, user ratings, and App developer qualifications were documented.

Results: As of March 2020, a total of 131 Apps exclusively dedicated for eye care were identified. 53% (69/131) were available in iPhones, 44% (58/131) in Android smartphones, and 3% in both. 32% (41/131) Apps were designed for visual acuity (VA) screening, 13% (17/131) for eye relaxation exercises, 12% (15/131) for professional education, and the remaining for Apps detecting color blindness, low vision aids, and assistance and patient education. Among the 131 Apps, 6 (4.5%) Apps are claimed by the developers as validated.

Conclusion: This study unveils a wide range of smartphone Apps exclusive to ophthalmology and suggests guidelines to choose an appropriate App. The study also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in the design, development, and validation of such Apps.

Keywords: Apps in Ophthalmology; eye care apps; ophthalmic apps; smartphone applications.

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Conflict of interest statement

None

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Distribution of Apps as per Utility
Figure 2
Figure 2
Distribution of Apps as per Operating System and Utility. Orange bars indicate iPhone and Blue bars indicate android operating system
Figure 3
Figure 3
MindMap of Scope of Smartphone Applications in Eye Care
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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