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.