Risk factors for keratoconus in Israel: a case-control study.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Genetics
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive corneal disease with unknown causes.
• Potential contributing factors include genetics, eye rubbing, and sun exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate risk factors for keratoconus (KC) in an Israeli population.
• To specifically examine the role of sun exposure in KC aetiology.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study comparing KC patients with matched controls.
• Data collected via self-administered questionnaires on demographics, health, and sun exposure.
• Conditional logistic regression used for statistical analysis.

Main Results:

• Eye rubbing (OR=3.37), family history of KC (OR=9.68), and lower parental education (OR=0.35) were significant risk factors.
• Wearing a hat outdoors showed a protective association (OR=5.51) in univariable analysis.
• The association between sun exposure behaviors and KC was largely equivocal.

Conclusions:

• Eye rubbing, family history, and parental education are confirmed risk factors for KC.
• The role of sun exposure in keratoconus development requires further research.