[Epidemiological aspects of keratoconus in children]

To study the epidemiological aspects of keratoconus in children.

We conducted a retrospective study of patients with keratoconus diagnosed prior to age 15 or after age 27. Age, gender, reason for consultation, ethnicity, personal and family history, allergic history, eye rubbing, optical and surgical treatment, and educational and professional background were identified. Data from each group were compared by Chi(2) testing.

Forty-nine children and 167 adults were studied. The majority of patients were Caucasian. Children were more frequently male (P=0.0386) and allergic (67.35% versus 47.31% in adults, P=0.0136). Eye rubbing was found in 91.84% of children and 70.06% of adults (P=0.002). In total, 12.24% of children had a family history of keratoconus versus 14.97% of adults (P=0.6324). Totally, 68.09% of children were fitted with rigid contact lenses versus 15.66% of adults (P=0.0909). In all, 80.5% of surgically treated children underwent corneal collagen cross-linking versus 30% of adults.

Younger patients are more often male, with women being older at time of diagnosis. Allergy is a frequent association. However, 25% of children in the general population display allergies. In any event, eye rubbing is a common feature, whether due to itching or induced ametropia.

In order to detect the disease early, corneal topography could be performed routinely in all young, allergic boys with a history of eye rubbing and recent-onset corneal astigmatism.