OBJECTIVE

To find out evidence for the improvement of research resources of ocular fundus diseases in China. DATA SOURCES RESEARCH: articles about fundus oculi in 418 Chinese medical journals published in the mainland of China from January 1, 1999 to June 30, 2001.

DATA SELECTION

A total of 2 352 articles about ocular fundus diseases included 1 651 original articles, 324 case reports, and 171 reviews. The original articles covered basic research (402 articles), clinical research (530), treatment with combined traditional Chinese and Western medicine (270), clinical application of testing technology (295), epidemiology (142), and others (12).

RESULTS

Data showed that retinal detachment, trauma, retinal vein occlusion, and diabetic retinopathy were the major areas of clinical research. Ophthalmology periodicals published most of the achievements in the research of ocular fundus diseases, while less in general medical journals. Yet, reports on critical evaluation of these treatments were not available. The resources of research and utilization in ocular fundus diseases in China had not been documented.

CONCLUSIONS

The research into ocular fundus diseases is an active area in China. Critical evaluation and application of the research resources of ocular fundus diseases should be improved.