A comprehensive quality and reliability assessment of SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction) laser surgery videos on youtube.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the quality and reliability of YouTube videos involving SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) laser surgery and to assess the differences between physician-authored and patient-generated content.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted on YouTube for SMILE laser surgery videos. The top 100 English-language videos were evaluated using validated scoring systems including DISCERN, JAMA, Global Quality Score (GQS), and Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Audio Visual (PEMAT-A/V).

RESULTS

The average quality scores were moderate across all metrics (DISCERN: 45.1, PEMAT-AV Understandability: 68.8, PEMAT-AV Actionability: 49.9, JAMA: 2.39, GQS: 2.99). Physician-authored videos scored significantly higher on reliability, treatment choices, and overall quality (p < 0.05). Patient-generated videos demonstrated higher viewer engagement, with more views (23,973 vs. 15,467) and comments (28 vs. 8). Positive correlations were determined between video length, likes, comments, and quality metrics (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The SMILE laser surgery information on YouTube is of moderate quality. While physician-authored videos provide higher quality content, patient-generated videos offer unique perspectives and greater engagement. There is a need for balanced, high-quality video content that incorporates both professional expertise and patient experiences to provide comprehensive and reliable online information about SMILE laser surgery.