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Is keratoconus more severe in pediatric population?

Mohammad Naderan1, Mohammad Taher Rajabi2, Parviz Zarrinbakhsh3

  • 1Eye Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin Square, Tehran, Iran. moh@naderan.com.

International Ophthalmology
|October 27, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric patients diagnosed with keratoconus (KC) exhibit more severe disease compared to adults, indicated by specific ophthalmic parameter differences. Early detection and intensive treatment are crucial for children with KC.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Corneal Diseases
  • Pediatric Eye Care

Background:

  • Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive corneal ectasia affecting vision.
  • Understanding KC severity differences between pediatric and adult populations is crucial for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare ophthalmic parameters and keratoconus (KC) severity in pediatric versus adult patients at initial diagnosis.
  • To analyze differences in topographic, keratometric, and tomographic metrics between age groups.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective observational study comparing pediatric (<18 years) and adult (≥18 years) KC patients.
  • Diagnosis confirmed by slit-lamp examination and Pentacam imaging.
  • Amsler-Krumeich classification used for KC severity assessment.

Main Results:

  • Pediatric KC patients showed significantly higher keratometry, astigmatism, and anterior/posterior elevation, with thinner corneas.
  • No significant differences in visual acuity or refractive error were observed between groups.
  • Pediatric patients presented with more severe KC based on Amsler-Krumeich classification.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric keratoconus is generally more severe at diagnosis than in adults.
  • Children with KC require close monitoring and aggressive treatment strategies.
  • Findings highlight the need for specialized pediatric KC management protocols.
Abstract

Keywords:
AdultsKeratoconusKeratometryPediatricsSeverityTomographyTopography

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