TY - JOUR T1 - Google-based search of common blinding diseases: a reflection of public concerns JF - British Journal of Ophthalmology JO - Br J Ophthalmol SP - 1444 LP - 1445 DO - 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2012-302318 VL - 96 IS - 11 AU - Maria Franchina AU - Jason Toniolo AU - David A Mackey AU - Alex W Hewitt Y1 - 2012/11/01 UR - http://bjo.bmj.com/content/96/11/1444.abstract N2 - Over the past decade with the spread of the internet, the means by which patients seek health information has dramatically changed. In 2005, an analysis of approximately 6000 adults in the USA revealed that over 60% of internet users searched for health information online, with only approximately 10% using a physician as their initial source of health-related information.1 While the use of online resources to obtain primary health information has some concerning aspects, it also has potential public health benefits. For example, it is possible to detect emerging … ER -