A bibliometric analysis of amniotic membrane transplantation research in ophthalmology

PURPOSE: Amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) has become a widely used therapeutic approach in ophthalmology, particularly for managing ocular surface disorders. Despite its clinical significance, no comprehensive bibliometric analysis has been conducted to evaluate the research landscape of AMT in ophthalmology. This study aims to analyze publication trends, identify influential contributors, and highlight emerging research directions.
METHODS: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection. A comprehensive search was performed on February 1, 2025, using the keywords “amniotic membrane” in the title or “amniotic membrane” OR “AMT” in the author keywords. Data were extracted from the “Analyze Results” and “Citation Reports” sections of WoS to assess publication trends, author productivity, institutional and country contributions, highly cited publications, and journal-level output. Bibliometric mapping was performed using VOSviewer to examine research focus areas, as well as co-authorship and country collaboration networks.
RESULTS: A total of 1012 AMT-related publications in ophthalmology were identified, spanning 1995–2025. The United States emerged as the most productive country. Tseng SCG was identified as the most prolific author, with 102 publications and an H-index of 54. Highly cited publications primarily focused on ocular surface reconstruction, limbal stem cell deficiency, and pterygium surgery, whereas emerging research areas included glaucoma surgery, retinal disorders, and bioengineering applications.
CONCLUSION: AMT research in ophthalmology has evolved over time, with shifts in focus from anterior segment applications to emerging uses in glaucoma and retinal disorders. The increasing attention to bioengineering approaches, regenerative medicine, and minimally invasive techniques suggests promising directions for future investigations.

Keywords: Amniotic membrane transplantation, bibliometric analysis, ophthalmology, research trends, Web of Science.