Deciphering the complexity of cataract surgery: A bibliometric and science mapping analysis of research patterns and surgical developments- a 40-year perspective

Abstract

Cataract surgery, an integral facet of ophthalmological intervention, has experienced profound metamorphosis over the past 40 years. These shifts have been marked not only in the domain of surgical methodology but also within the conceptual framework that governs the understanding, diagnosis, and management of the condition. This research endeavors to articulate the contemporary landscape of cataract surgery, delineating its chronological evolution, emergent trends, and intricate interconnections, spanning a period of four decades. The methodology employed a thorough exploration and meticulous analysis of the Web of Science (WoS) database, concentrating specifically on cataract-related research from 1983 to 2022. The corpus, comprising 9574 articles, underwent rigorous examination through bibliometric and science mapping instruments, including Bibliometrix, to assay the patterns, significant authorships, journal participations, and theoretical architecture in the field of cataract studies. The inquiry revealed a compounded annual growth rate of 3.82% in cataract research, with a mean citation index of 23.18 per article. This corpus encompasses contributions from 90 journals. This study was integral to the identification of seminal researchers, authoritative institutions, and cornerstone publications. The analysis was segmented into four analytical domains: an exploration of the fundamental structure of articles, an evaluation of author and journal participation, a scrutiny of keyword deployment, and an analysis of conceptual paradigms, uncovering substantial thematic interconnections and trends. This analytical endeavor systematically deconstructs the multifarious nature of cataract surgery and affiliated research, thereby unveiling a rich, multidimensional field that extends its influence and applicability beyond ophthalmology to a myriad of interdisciplinary pursuits. As an academic synthesis, the insights garnered from this study provide an unparalleled reference for scholars, clinical practitioners, and policymakers who have deeply invested in cataract surgery. This signifies the field's progressive evolution over an extended temporal frame and critically elucidates prospective avenues for scholarly inquiry and practical application, thereby fulfilling a vital niche in contemporary medical literature.