Goblet cell and dry eye: a citation network analysis

Abstract

Background: Goblet cells (GC) secrete mucins, cytokines, and specific antigens for the immune response of the ocular surface. Alteration in goblet cell density and its secretion leads to an unstable tear film and, eventually, dry eye. This study analyzed the connections between the most cited publications and their citations and journals on GC and dry eye to analyze data like the size of their clusters and core, and quantify the volume of literature available to guide future research. Methods: "Goblet cell and dry eye" terms were searched through Web of Science and analyzed with CitNetExplorer® to obtain top-cited publications and identify clusters and core publications. Results: Five hundred and fifty-five publications with 3066 citations generated on the web have been found. We should mention that 2016 and 2017 were the years with the highest number of publications. The most quoted ones were "the definition and classification of dry eye disease like a report on the definition and classification subcommittee of the International Dry Eye Worshop" by Lemp et al., 2007. Three groups on different research areas on this same field were found using the clustering function: Dry eye, mucins, and treatment. Conclusion: Goblet cell and dry eye are relevant topics for researchers with connections between the two. Further knowledge on goblet cell will improve dry eye treatments.