The readability level of websites regarding COVID- 19 ocular findings: An internet-based analysis

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this si ngle-centered internet- based study was to determine the readability of COVID-19- related ocular findings on Turkish websites. Materials and Methods: The first 33 websites that appeared when searching Google for phrases like "Does coronavirus affect the eye," " Coronavirus eye findings," COVID-19-related ocular manifestations," and " Can coronavirus infect the eye " were evaluated using two main readability scores for Turkish texts developed by Ateşman and Bezirci-Yilmaz. Results: The average score on Ateşman's readability score was 47. Accordingly, websites providing information about COVİD- 19-related ocular findings were discovered to be readable by the 13th, 14 th, and 15th grade students. The same websites were found to be readable with an average of 14.7 points on the Bezirci-Yilmaz readability score, requiring 14-15 years of education. Conclusion: The readability of COVID-19-related ocular findings websites was dete rmined to be between 13th and 15th grade students. This level is relatively high when compared to the average education level. Treatment adherence issues may arise as a result of website information written in a language that patients and their relatives find difficult to understand.