OBJECTIVES: To analyze self-reported patient perception and outcomes with presbyopia-correcting intraocular lenses (PCIOLs) on social media.

METHODS: We used pre-defined search strings to identify relevant, publicly available posts discussing pre-defined extended depth of focus (EDOF) and trifocal/mixed multifocal PCIOLs on 3 social media platforms (Facebook, Reddit, YouTube) and 4 patient forums (Medicine.net, Medizin Forum, Optiker-Forum, Patient.info). We searched posts written in English, German, French, and Spanish over a 2-year period. Sentiment analysis was also conducted on each post.

RESULTS: 2,237 posts were identified (all in English). Healthcare professionals most often influenced patient perception of PCIOLs, followed by online reading, and YouTube videos (31%, 18%, and 15% of posts, respectively). 215 posts discussed glasses use after PCIOL surgery: For EDOF and trifocal/mixed PCIOLs, 37%/63% and 56%/44% of posts stated being glasses free/needing glasses, respectively. 537 posts cited visual disturbances: Halos and starbursts were discussed more often for trifocal/mixed (63% and 45%, respectively) than EDOF (58% and 39%) PCIOLs. Negative sentiment was most associated with patients needing glasses after surgery and positive sentiment with improvements in daily activities.

CONCLUSIONS: Social media platforms are important sources of information on patient perception and experience of PCIOLs. Patient opinion and experience extracted from social media can help guide healthcare professionals on patient counselling tailored to each PCIOL type to improve overall patient satisfaction.