Physical activity and eye health: a bibliometric study

Abstract

Purpose: Eye health is a critical component of overall well-being. While genetic and clinical factors are important, lifestyle behaviors—particularly physical activity (PA)—have attracted growing attention for their role in promoting ocular health. We aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis to systematically map global research trends, collaboration networks, and thematic shifts concerning PA and eye health from 2000 to 2024. Methods: The keywords “PA” and “eye” were searched across three academic databases, and the retrieved results were analyzed with a bibliometric tool to examine publication trends, country productivity, author collaboration networks, and co-occurring keywords. Results: The analysis revealed a sharp increase in annual publication numbers after 2018. Researchers from Spain and Australia emerged as leading contributors. Three main clusters were identified via co-authorship analysis, with Hanssen H serving as a crucial connector. Highly cited papers predominantly focused on the physiological impact of PA on the eye, including intraocular pressure and retinal blood flow. Keyword analysis showed increasing interest in digital lifestyle factors within PA and eye health, such as “computer vision syndrome” and “screen time,” along with a shift toward interdisciplinary approaches integrating public health, ophthalmology, and physical education. Conclusion: This study highlights the growing significance of PA in eye health research, underscoring the necessity for continued interdisciplinary investigation, personalized interventions, and public health strategies that integrate PA into eye care. These findings lay a foundation for future research targeting visual impairment prevention and the promotion of lifelong ocular well-being through PA.