The proportion of multiple scattering in the lidar echo determines the attenuation coefficient KLidar, which affects the inversion of the water optical property parameters. At present, the Walker-McLean model and the multiple forward scattering-single backscattering model are both expressed with the formula form to describe multiple scattering components in the theory of ocean lidar. Based on the underwater laser transmission mechanism, the equivalence of multiple scattering factors in these two models is analyzed, and the items involving multiple scattering are compared to discuss the similarities and differences of these inversion models for water optical property parameters. Based on the comparison of scattering phase functions of the two models, it is found that the results obtained based on the Walker-McLean model are more consistent with measured results. Multiple forward scattering-single backscattering model is suitable for medium with strong forward scattering. The inversion value of water optical properties is lower than the actual value when the laser just enters into water, and it gets higher value as the multiple scattering times increase.