Ophthalmic health communication in the video-based social media era: A narrative review of information quality, engagement dynamics, and professional education - Report - MDSpire

Ophthalmic health communication in the video-based social media era: A narrative review of information quality, engagement dynamics, and professional education

  • By

  • Yizhou Yang

  • Yuecheng Ren

  • Luze Liu

  • Yue Li

  • Xuanqiao Lin

  • July 14, 2026

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Communication of Eye Health in the Age of Video-Centric Social Media

Overview

This review evaluates the quality and reliability of ophthalmology-related content on video-centric social media platforms. It highlights the risks associated with misinformation.

Background

The rise of social media has transformed how patients seek health information, particularly in ophthalmology, where visual symptoms prompt immediate online searches. This trend raises concerns about the accuracy of information shared on platforms like TikTok and YouTube.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data were provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • Video platforms rapidly disseminate health information, but often prioritize entertainment over accuracy.
  • Common topics include myopia prevention, dry eye, and cataract surgery, which are frequently misrepresented.
  • Engagement metrics such as views and likes do not correlate with the quality of medical information.
  • There is a significant gap between the content viewed by users and the information needed for safe health decisions.
  • Inaccurate advice can lead to unsafe self-care practices.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should be aware of the potential misinformation circulating on social media.

Conclusion

The review highlights the need for quality control in video-based health communications.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Optometric Management, March 2023 -- BUSINESS: Social Media Recommendations
  2. Optometric Management, November 2020 -- Engage Patients With Social Media
  3. DIGITAL HEALTH -- Insights into the quality and guideline consistency of dry eye disease treatment videos on Chinese short-video platforms
  4. Scientific Reports -- A cross-sectional study of policies from American medical organizations about public communications from physicians in the digital age
  5. Ophthalmology Management — SOCIAL MEDIA HACKS
  6. FDA Guidance on Addressing Misinformation About Medical Devices and Prescription Drugs
  7. A cross-sectional study of policies from American medical organizations about public communications from physicians in the digital age | Scientific Reports
  8. https://www.nanosweb.org/files/Committees/Ethics/12_4_2020_NANOS_Advisory_Opinion.pdf
  9. Consent, communication & decision making: CEJA reports | American Medical Association
  10. Assessment of quality, reliability, and interactive characteristics of age-related macular degeneration short videos on TikTok: a cross-sectional study | Scientific Reports
  11. A cross‐sectional analysis of information quality on potentially blinding eye diseases across Chinese short‐video platforms - Li - 2026 - Optometry and Vision Science - Wiley Online Library
  12. Frontiers | Tools/instruments for assessing YouTube videos on surgical procedures for patient/consumer health education: a systematic review
  13. Support, Educate, Empower Program and Medication Adherence
  14. Efficacy and adherence to glaucoma treatment depending on eye drop application technique: A crossover randomized clinical trial - PubMed
  15. A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Video Supplementation on the Cataract Surgery Informed Consent Process - PMC

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