Citation analysis of the most influential authors and ophthalmology journals in the field of cataract and corneal refractive surgery 2000–2004

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To identify the most published authors on the topics of 'cataract' and 'LASIK', the journals in which they publish, and the citation patterns of the most-cited articles by these authors over a 5-year publication period.

Methods:  Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI) was used to identify the 30 most-published authors in 'cataract' and 'laser in situ keratomileusis' (LASIK) (2000–2004 inclusive). SCI was subsequently used to analyse the recorded articles for each author in terms of source journal, the most commonly cited articles and citation source.

Results: Of the 30 most-published authors in the fields of cataract and LASIK, the USA was the most well-represented source country, accounting for 33%; 20% were from Australia, and 17% from Austria. Germany and Japan each contributed 7%. Eighty per cent of the publications produced by these 30 authors (2000–2004) were in 10 journals, of which the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (JCRS) published more than one-third. Of the three most-cited articles for each author, the greatest number were published in JCRS (35.6%). The citation count of the articles had a weak correlation to the journal impact factor of the source journal; however, the self-citation rate of these articles did not.

Conclusions: The USA and Australia together were the source of more than half of the most-published authors on cataract and LASIK and the majority of articles published by the 30 most prolific authors were published in only 10 journals. The impact factors of the publication journals preferred by these authors are influenced by the article citation counts, not vice versa.