Endophthalmitis: a bibliometric study and visualization analysis from 1993 to 2023

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Bibliometrics
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Endophthalmitis is a severe intraocular inflammation with significant visual consequences.
• Understanding research trends is crucial for advancing diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies.
• A comprehensive bibliometric analysis can map the evolution and structure of endophthalmitis research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and visualize research hotspots in endophthalmitis over the past 30 years.
• To analyze the evolutionary trends and structural relationships within the endophthalmitis research field.
• To provide insights into future research directions for this severe ocular disease.

Main Methods:

• A bibliometric approach was employed, analyzing 2960 publications from 1993 to the present.
• Data sourced from the Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science Core Collection).
• Analysis and visualization performed using CiteSpace and VOSviewer, examining country distribution, co-citation networks, and keyword co-occurrence.

Main Results:

• Research on endophthalmitis shows a significant upward trend, with the United States leading in publications.
• Cataract surgery is a major associated keyword, with postoperative and post-injection endophthalmitis being dominant forms before and after 2000, respectively.
• The Endophthalmitis Vitrectomy Study (EVS) remains a pivotal reference; diverse pathogens and intravitreal/intracameral antibiotics are key therapeutic considerations.

Conclusions:

• This bibliometric analysis maps the dynamic evolution and structural landscape of endophthalmitis research.
• Identified research hotspots and developmental trajectories offer valuable guidance for future investigations.
• The findings underscore the importance of understanding pathogen diversity and targeted antibiotic strategies in managing endophthalmitis.