Exosomes in Retinal Diseases: A Bibliometric Analysis of Trends and Themes

Research on exosomes in retinal diseases has developed rapidly, but there is no clear summary of the overall publication pattern, core authors, and topics at different times. Using bibliometric methods to describe the trend of outputs, main research groups, and changing hotspots from 2009-2025.

We searched for English-language original research papers on exosomes and retinal diseases in Web of Science Core Collection (2009-2025). Bibliometrix (R), CiteSpace, and VOSviewer were utilised to quantify the annual output and citations, determine the leading countries, institutions, authors, and journals, construct the collaboration network, and keyword co-occurrence/bursts.

We included 244 articles. More than half of the publications were from China, followed by the United States and Japan. Tianjin Medical University and Nanjing Medical University produced the most papers. Experimental Eye Research published the highest number of papers. Among all authors, Hu Zizhong and Xie Ping had the greatest impact on the dataset. Keyword mapping found five themes and showed that the focus of research has changed over time.

The five topics covered are as follows: (1) Mechanisms of exosome action; (2) Neuroprotection and regeneration; (3) Biomarkers and therapeutic applications; (4) Disease progression pathways; (5) Clinical translation and drug delivery. Recently, some work has gradually focused on exosome biogenesis, microRNA-related regulation, improved experimental models, and translational applications.

Field conclusions are increasing and becoming increasingly related in different countries, institutions, and topics abroad. Analysis of the main contributors and focus movement; The focus has shifted from descriptive studies to mechanistic and translational research, and microRNArelated studies and exosome-based delivery strategies have become important directions for future retinal research.