Exploring multifocal IOL experiences: A qualitative study of patient and physician narratives on YouTube

This study aims to compare patient- and physician-generated YouTube videos on multifocal lens surgery experiences, examining how online narratives align with or diverge from professional medical perspectives. A cross-sectional qualitative analysis of 48 Turkish-language YouTube videos related to multifocal lens surgeries was conducted. Inclusion criteria required videos to be longer than 1 minute, have at least 1000 views, maintain suitable visual quality, and exclude direct advertising. The final sample included 38 doctor-produced and 10 patient-produced videos. Transcripts totaling 62,707 words underwent thematic analysis, with 2 researchers independently coding the data. Seven themes emerged: patient satisfaction and managing expectations, night vision problems and dysphotopsia, importance of individualized lens selection, technological advances in lenses, postoperative adaptation and management, ethical issues and patient information, and surgical procedure's practical aspects. Both doctors and patients largely agree that proper preoperative counseling and realistic expectations are key to favorable outcomes. Patients generally confirm good vision and comfort but may experience dissatisfaction when initial hopes are unmet or communication is insufficient. Dysphotopsias and adaptation periods are recognized by both groups as common, albeit temporary. Notably, patient videos attracted higher viewer engagement, suggesting that personal narratives resonate strongly with the audience. Online patient narratives both reinforce and, at times, question the information provided by physicians, highlighting the importance of clear communication, personalized intraocular lens choices, and active expectation management throughout the treatment process. management. For primary care physicians and ophthalmologists, integrating these insights can enhance patient education, improve the referral process, and ensure that evolving IOL technologies better meet patient needs and experiences.