Scientometric analysis of extracellular vesicles in vision science (up to 2024)

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) in vision science have gained significant attention. However, a comprehensive scientometric analysis of the key major contributors, the current research landscape, and development trends is still lacking.

To detect and visualize the research strengths, knowledge base, and research frontiers of EVs in vision science.

Publications of EVs on vision science were systematically collected from Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Embase, covering the inception of each database up to December 31, 2024. Following data cleaning, a bibliometric assessment was conducted primarily based on VOSviewer and CiteSpace platforms. Key analysis included temporal publication trends, co-authorship patterns, the knowledge base, and the thematic evolution of research trends.

A total of 427 original research articles were analyzed, with an average of 25.69 citations per article and an H-index of 55. The global annual cumulative publication showed exponential growth across three phases: a silent period (2003-2012, 8 articles), gradual growth (2013-2019, 67 articles), and a sharp surge from 2020 onward (352 articles). United States and China led in publication output, with the University of California System emerging as the most collaborative institution. The knowledge base comprises thirteen well-established themes, which originated around 2009. Fifteen salient research frontier themes have emerged, most of which remain in the developmental phase.

The roles of EVs in pathophysiology, diagnostic, and therapeutic potential in vision science have been extensively explored; however, notable limitations and gaps remain, warranting further investigation. Moreover, the clinical translation of EVs-based applications faces significant challenges.