A visual analysis of bibliometric-based studies of dry eye disease related to meibomian gland dysfunction

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To systematically analyze the international development of dry eye disease(DED) related to meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD) and research hotspots. Methods The Web of Science was searched for academic papers on the topics of "Meibomian Gland Dysfunction" and "Dry Eye Syndrome" etc. Citespace and VOSviewer software were used to visualise and analyse the countries, collaborating institutions and subject terms of the selected papers in this field. Results A total of 1228 English articles related to MGD-related DED were included. After 2010, it showed an obvious steady growth trend. In 2018, the number exceeded 100 for the first time. The United States had the largest number of publications in this field (364 articles), accounting for 22.98% of the total number of publications. Cornea had the highest number of publications (126,10.26%), and Tsubota K had the highest number of publications (54, 4.39%). Arita R, Craig JP, and Nichols KK were key researchers in the field, especially Arita R. Conclusions Since 2010, there has been a significant increase in the number of studies on MGD-related DED. It is predicted that future research will focus on the pathophysiology, morphology, meibomian gland expression and other mechanisms of MGD-related DED and the clinical research of intense pulsed light treatment.