Evaluation of YouTube videos as sources of information about multifocal intraocular lens

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose This study investigated the quality of YouTube videos addressing multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) as educational resources. Materials and Methods An online search of YouTube was performed for the terms “multifocal lens implants” and “multifocal iol”. A total of 339 videos were recorded. After these videos were investigated, the final remaining 140 videos were enrolled in the study. All videos were evaluated in terms of their DISCERN, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), and Global Quality (GQ) scores by two independent experienced ophthalmologists. Results The median DISCERN score was 33 (poor quality), JAMA score was 1.25 (lowest quality), and GQ score was 2 (poor quality). Of the 140 videos, 80 videos (57.1%) were uploaded by physicians and another 60 videos (42.9%) were uploaded by non-physicians. There was no statistically significant difference in general characteristics of the videos between the physicians and non-physicians groups. Also, their mean DISCERN, JAMA and GQ scores were similar between the groups (p = .101, p = .441 and p = .209, respectively). Conclusion Our findings suggest that the content of YouTube videos regarding multifocal IOLs is of generally poor quality and is not adequately educational for patients. Nevertheless, to ensure patients’ access to accurate medical information, we believe that the content and reliability of medical information obtained from online videos should be examined by healthcare specialists from the viewpoint of patients.