Assessing the Responses of Large Language Models (ChatGPT-4, Claude 3, Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot) to Frequently Asked Questions in Retinopathy of Prematurity: A Study on Readability and Appropriateness

Purpose To assess the appropriateness and readability of responses provided by four large language models (LLMs) (ChatGPT-4, Claude 3, Gemini, and Microsoft Co-pilot) to parents' queries pertaining to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Methods A total of 60 frequently asked questions were collated and categorized into six distinct sections. The responses generated by the LLMs were evaluated by three experienced ROP specialists to determine their appropriateness and comprehensiveness. Additionally, the readability of the responses was assessed using a range of metrics, including the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), Gunning Fog (GF) Index, Coleman-Liau (CL) Index, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) Index, and Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) score. Results ChatGPT-4 demonstrated the highest level of appropriateness (100%) and performed exceptionally well in the Likert analysis, scoring 5 points on 96% of questions. The CL Index and FRE scores identified Gemini as the most readable LLM, whereas the GF Index and SMOG Index rated Microsoft Copilot as the most readable. Nevertheless, ChatGPT-4 exhibited the most intricate text structure, with scores of 18.56 on the GF Index, 18.56 on the CL Index, 17.2 on the SMOG Index, and 9.45 on the FRE score. This suggests that the responses demand a college-level comprehension. Conclusions ChatGPT-4 demonstrated higher performance than other LLMs in responding to questions related to ROP; however, its texts were more complex. In terms of readability, Gemini and Microsoft Copilot were found to be more successful. [ J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus . 20XX;XX(X):XXX–XXX.]