Geographical Trends in Global Ophthalmology Research From 2002 to 2022

Characterize geographical trends in ophthalmology research between 2002 and 2022 and explore associations among study locations, designs, and funding sources DESIGN: Trend study.

Analysis of 4199 publications from the American Journal of Ophthalmology, British Journal of Ophthalmology, Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, JAMA Ophthalmology, and Ophthalmology. All original full-length publications from 2002, 2012, and 2022 were included. Exclusion criteria were meta-analyses, literature reviews, and case reports. Main outcome measures were publication years, locations, study designs, and funding sources.

Publications from North America (45.8%), Europe (30.7%), and Asia (28.9%) were the most common, whereas Africa (0.8%) and South America (1.4%) were least represented. North American research decreased by 10.6% (P < .001), whereas Asian research increased by 25.4% (P < .001). The United States contributed 42.3% of research but experienced an 11.3% decline from 2002 to 2022 (P < .001). Publications in the United States received 5.8% more industry funding from 2002 to 2022 (P = .006). China's research grew by 17.0% and had the highest proportion of government (83.1%) or intramural (24.2%) funding (P < .001), with government-funded studies increasing by 46.7% (P < .001). Japan was less associated with all funding types (P ≤ .001). Singapore, Iceland, and Switzerland were top performers when adjusted for population size.

Within the examined journals, the United States remains the primary research contributor, with China witnessing rapid growth and Japan facing stagnation. Despite the declining research proportion in the United States, North America and Europe continue to maintain a disproportionately high presence in prestigious academic journals. Publications from Africa and South America are limited.