Advancements in childhood cataract research: Unraveling genetic factors, surgical innovations, and AI applications
Childhood cataract research is driven by a focus on understanding the genetic factors and spectrum of the disease, improving surgical techniques, and addressing postoperative complications, according toa new study, which highlights the significance of multidisciplinary collaborations and the emerging role of artificial intelligence in the diagnosis and treatment of childhood cataracts.
The study examined 3395 publications on childhood cataract published between 2012 and 2021.
The findings found an inconsistent annual increasing trend in childhood cataract publications, indicating the growing interest and research activity surrounding this condition. The United States emerged as the leading contributor with 939 publications, highlighting the country’s prominent role in advancing childhood cataract research. Among journals, the Journal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus stood out with the highest number of publications (113).
Author collaboration networks were identified, comprising 8 clusters involving 183 authors. These collaborations fostered interdisciplinary approaches and contributed to the multidimensional understanding of childhood cataract. The study also identified several research hotspots, including gene mutation analysis, cataract surgery management, complications related to intraocular lens implantation, prevalence studies, and the association of cataracts with glaucoma.
The analysis highlighted frontier research topics that are gaining prominence within childhood cataract research. Pediatric cataract surgery, the discovery of new mutations underlying the disease, the application of artificial intelligence in diagnosis and treatment, and investigations into cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis were identified as areas of increasing interest and exploration.
Reference
Tan Y, Chen H, Gong S, et al. Evolution and trends of childhood cataract research in the past 10 years: A scientometric analysis. Heliyon. 2023;9(6):e17590. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17590. PMID: 37416629; PMCID: PMC10320269.
