Oxidative Stress in Dry Eye Disease: A Bibliometric Analysis.

Abstract

Purpose: To study the knowledge structure and evolution of oxidative stress in dry eye disease (DED) using bibliometrics and explore prospective anti-oxidative stress strategies for future clinical interventions.

Methods: The Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) was used as the data source to systematically retrieve and screen the research literature published between January 1, 1992, and December 31, 2024, related to oxidative stress research in DED. The data were then analyzed using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and R package Bibliometrix to visualize the network of countries, organizations, journals, authors, and keywords related to oxidative stress in DED.

Results: A total of 491 publications were identified over a 30-year period from 1995 to 2024. There is a general upward trend in annual publications. The most prolific countries, institutions, journals and authors were China, KEIO UNIV, INVEST OPHTH VIS SCI, and TSUBOTA K, respectively. The keywords in this research field mainly focused on inflammation, ocular surface, antioxidants, lacrimal glands, cornea, reactive oxygen species. "Ferroptosis", "nanoparticles", "diabetic retinopathy", "autophagy", "meibomian glands", and "NLRP3 inflammasome" are emerging research hotspots in recent years.

Conclusion: This study provides the first bibliometric approach to hot topics and emerging trends in the field of oxidative stress in DED. "Ferroptosis", "nanoparticles", "autophagy", "NLRP3 inflammasome", and so on are emerging directions being investigated in the field. Antioxidants in nanocarriers show promising applications. Clinical translation and international cooperation are the keys to future breakthroughs. Interdisciplinary collaboration should be strengthened to promote precision medicine and innovative therapy development.