Mobile applications offer new opportunities in eye care but need regulatory and professional involvement
Mobile applications for visual function assessment are becoming a valuable tool in eye care, offering potential for early detection and monitoring of eye conditions, according to a study which cautioned that for these apps to be fully integrated into clinical practice, future development should involve healthcare professionals and regulatory approval, along with further research to confirm their reliability and validity.
A recent review examined 160 visual function apps available on the Apple App and Google Play Stores, aimed at enhancing early detection and monitoring of eye conditions. The study analyzed parameters such as the types of visual tests, the involvement of healthcare professionals, cost, and app popularity.
The most featured tests included visual acuity and color vision assessments, which were comparable to traditional clinical methods. Some apps have gained significant usage and have been subject to studies verifying the reliability of their results, the study noted. However, key limitations were identified, such as the absence of healthcare professionals in app development, lack of regulatory approval, and minimal cloud-based features for sharing results with medical providers.
The review highlights the potential of these apps to improve teleophthalmology by enabling remote monitoring and early detection of eye conditions.
Reference
Goh C, Puah M, Toh ZH, et al. Mobile Apps and Visual Function Assessment: A Comprehensive Review of the Latest Advancements. Ophthalmol Ther. 2024;doi: 10.1007/s40123-024-01071-1. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39576484.
