In this Comment we discuss a recent analysis by Yu et al. [RAA 11, 125 (2011)] about constraints on the smoothness $alpha$ parameter and dark energy models using observational $H(z)$ data. It is argued here that their procedure is conceptually inconsistent with the basic assumptions underlying the adopted Dyer-Roeder approach. In order to properly quantify the influence of the $H(z)$ data on the smoothness $alpha$ parameter, a $chi^2$-test involving a sample of SNe Ia and $H(z)$ data in the context of a flat $Lambda$CDM model is reanalyzed. This result is confronted with an earlier approach discussed by Santos et al. (2008) without $H(z)$ data. In the ($Omega_m, alpha$) plane, it is found that such parameters are now restricted on the intervals $0.66 leq alpha leq 1.0$ and $0.27 leq Omega_m leq 0.37$ within 95.4% confidence level (2$sigma$), and, therefore, fully compatible with the homogeneous case. The basic conclusion is that a joint analysis involving $H(z)$ data can indirectly improve our knowledge about the influence of the inhomogeneities. However, this happens only because the $H(z)$ data provide tighter constraints on the matter density parameter $Omega_m$.
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