Epidemiological Assessment of Keratoconus at an Eye Clinic in Tehran, Iran
Journal of Ophthalmic and Optometric Sciences,
Vol. 8 No. 4 (2024),
22 September 2024
,
Page 23-29
Abstract
Purpose: To characterize the demographic, biometric, and clinical features of keratoconus (KC) at an eye clinic in Tehran, Iran, and to identify key risk factors associated with disease severity.
Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 426 KC patients referred to Basir Eye Center, Tehran, Iran between April 2019 and May 2021. All cases were confirmed using Scheimpflug-based tomography (SIRIUS). Variables included age, sex, nationality, refractive error, topographic parameters (Kmax, TCT, and pachymetry), treatment modality, and clinical history.
Results: The mean patients age was 28.7 ± 5.2 years, with 62% aged 15-25. Males comprised 60.3% of the cohort. Iranian patients accounted for 86.38% of the sample, followed by Iraqi nationals (12.44%). A first-degree family history was present in 16.9% and second-degree history in 10.04% of patients. Consanguinity was reported in 40% of familial cases. Kmax > 48 D and pachymetry < 450 µm were strongly associated with increased disease severity (P < 0.01 for both). We also observed a strong association between male sex, age < 25 years, and need for surgical intervention (P < 0.01 for both). Eye rubbing was strongly associated with disease progression (OR = 3.2; P = 0.003).
Conclusion: Keratoconus in this population exhibited early onset, male predominance, and strong associations with eye rubbing, Kmax, pachymetry, male sex, and age. Severity classification based on biometric parameters revealed a high proportion of patients eligible for early therapeutic intervention. These findings highlight the potential value of incorporating biometric risk profiling into clinical evaluation to guide timely treatment.
- Keratoconus
- Corneal Topography
- Early Diagnosis
- Risk Factors
- Consanguinity
- Iran
- Epidemiology
How to Cite
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