Clinical-epidemiological characteristics of keratoconus in Asturias

Keratoconus is the most frequent corneal ectasia and second most common cause of keratoplasty worldwide. The clinical and epidemiological characteristics of keratoconus have rarely been studied in Spain, and to date, no study has been done in Asturias.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze all cases of keratoconus diagnosed in the first consultations of the Cornea and Surface section of the Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (Oviedo) and Hospital Universitario de Cabueñes (Gijón) between 2017 and 2020. Demographic data, visual acuity and corneal topography were collected.

A total of 112 patients (42.0% women and 58.0% men) were included. The mean age was 36.84 ± 15.59, with 39.3% being older than 40 years. 31.8%, 28.0%, 15.0%, and 25.2% were in stages I, II, III and IV, Amsler-Krumeich scale, respectively. Corneal segments were implanted in 7.5% of patients, cross-linking was performed in 4.7%, and keratoplasty was performed in 13.2%.

Approximately 40% of keratoconus cases are detected at advanced stages and another 40% are detected at an age over 40 years. 13% of these patients require keratoplasty, which is why it is frequently performed in our setting. Therefore, early diagnosis before irreversible visual loss is necessary.