Global Research Trends and Hotspots in Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (2014–2023): A Comprehensive Bibliometric and Visualization Analysis

Review Global Research Trends and Hotspots in Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (2014–2023): A Comprehensive Bibliometric and Visualization Analysis Qian Liu 1, Fangkun Zhao 2, Jun Liu 1, Minmei Guo 1, Chengyu Jiang 1, Tao Yu 1, Ting Wang 1, Tzu-Cheng Sung 1, Jun Kong 2 and Akon Higuchi 1,3,* 1 State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China 2 Department of Ophthalmology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110005, China 3 Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan * Correspondence: [email protected] or [email protected]; Tel.: +86-577-88068822; Fax: +86-086-577-88832083 Received: 21 January 2025; Revised: 11 March 2025; Accepted: 12 March 2025; Published: 17 March 2025 Abstract: This study aimed to explore the global research landscape, emerging hotspots, and advancements in Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) over the last decade through a bibliometric and visualization analysis for regenerative medicine strategy to treat MGD patients. Data were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection, covering the period from 2014 to 2023. VOSviewer and CiteSpace were used to analyze and visualize publication trends, contributions by countries and institutions, co-authorship analysis, journal impact, and keyword co-occurrence. Emerging topics were identified using keyword citation burst analysis. A total of 1271 publications were included. Four major research hotspots were identified: (1) etiology and pathogenesis, (2) advancements in diagnostic technologies, (3) therapeutic innovations, and (4) epidemiological trends. The United States and Yonsei University were the leading contributors in terms of publication and citation counts. Ocular Surface, Cornea, and Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science were the top journals by productivity and impact. The study revealed significant progress in MGD research and highlighted key areas requiring further investigation, including the establishment of global diagnostic standards and targeted therapies in regenerative medicine. These findings provide a roadmap for future collaborative efforts and strategic research directions in regenerative medicine of the field.