Clinical Profile, Risk factors and Topographic Characteristics of Keratoconus at a Tertiary Eye Hospital: An Observational Study

Abstract

Introduction: Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory, progressive thinning, most commonly bilateral condition of the cornea involving the central two-thirds of the cornea. The study aimed to assess the clinical profile, risk factors, and topographic parameters. Methods: An observational study was conducted from March to November 2024 among patients with clinically and topographically diagnosed keratoconus. Corneal topography-800 and the Amsler–Krumeich classification were used for diagnosis and grading. Binary variables were summarized as frequencies and percentages, while continuous variables were expressed as mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation. Results: Among the 82 keratoconus patients 120 eyes were evaluated, the mean age of presentation was 22.37±8.7 years. The study population included 64 (78.05%) males and 18 females (21.95%). Reported risk factor were eye rubbing 52 (37.96%), ocular allergy 44 (32.12%). Unilateral keratoconus was seen in 46 (56.10%) cases. The observed clinical sign was scissor reflex 62 (75.61%), stromal thinning 50 (60.98%) and Vogt's striae 36 (43.90%). Refractive parameters showed considerable variation, with spherical power averaging -1.16±2.05 D and cylindrical power at -4.16±2.88 D, confirming significant myopia and astigmatism. Corneal curvature was increased, with a mean K value of 47.30±5.50 D, and the surface asymmetry index was 2.44±2.19, indicating variations in corneal topography. Conclusions: In this study, majority of the patients were in early twenty's age group. The most early sign for the detection of keratoconus was scissor reflex and as the severity of keratoconus increased the central corneal thickness and best corrected visual acuity decreased.