Keratoconus Screening Among Myopic Children.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Imaging
• Pediatric Eye Care

Background:

• High myopia in children is a growing concern.
• Corneal topography is crucial for diagnosing conditions like keratoconus.
• Understanding corneal changes in pediatric high myopia is essential for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate topographic corneal changes in children with high myopia.
• To determine the incidence of keratoconus in this pediatric population.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 174 eyes in children with high myopia (ages 6-14).
• Corneal examination using Scheimpflug imaging to assess parameters like Kmax, thinnest location, and aberrations.
• Comparison of eyes with and without keratoconus.

Main Results:

• 9.2% of eyes (16/174) showed signs of keratoconus.
• Significant differences in maximum K reading, anterior, and posterior elevation were noted in keratoconus eyes.
• Higher-order aberrations, particularly vertical coma and spherical aberrations, were statistically different.
• Vernal keratoconjunctivitis and frequent eye rubbing were associated with corneal abnormalities in 37.5% of cases.

Conclusions:

• Children with high myopia may exhibit corneal abnormalities, even without significant astigmatism.
• Corneal changes are more pronounced in cases with vernal keratoconjunctivitis.
• Routine corneal examination is recommended for children with high myopia to detect and manage potential abnormalities early.