Quality of life of a sample of people with keratoconus in KSA

This study sought to translate the Keratoconus Outcomes Research Questionnaire (KORQ) and using it to measure and evaluate the quality of life of a sample of people with keratoconus in KSA.

A cross-sectional online survey of patients with keratoconus, drawn by convenience sampling from across several regions of KSA, was conducted. The data were analysed with appropriate quantitative techniques.

Ninety-one patients with keratoconus (57.1% men; mean age = 33.25 ± 6.72 years) from five regions of KSA completed the survey. A total of 78.1% of the cases were diagnosed when the respondents were 15-29 years of age. Of the 91 participants, 11%, 27%, and 30% reported no, mild, and moderate interference with activities, whereas 17% and 15% reported substantial activity limitations. Regarding symptoms, 8%, 20%, and 24% reported no, mild, and moderate symptoms, whereas 23% and 25% reported substantial and extreme symptoms, respectively. Pearson rank correlation analysis indicated strong and statistically significant coefficients among the coded scores for symptoms, activity limitations and demographic factors. Regression analysis of the relationship between the scores for symptoms/activity limitations and demographic factors indicated that only the scores for visual acuity, eye with keratoconus, and geographic region were statistically significant at 5%. Visual acuity while wearing glasses or lenses and the odds of having poor QoL score were higher in both the left and right eyes [23.85 (95% CI, 4.21 to 135.24) and 6.0 (95% CI, 1.12 to 32.12), respectively]. Unknown visual acuity is associated with greater odds of higher annoyance scores [4.69 (95% CI, 1.06 to 20.62) and 13.63 (95% CI, 2.74 to 67.74), respectively].

Patients experience substantial impairments in their daily lives that could potentially be mitigated by addressing visual acuity, specific (left, right or both) eyes with keratoconus, and regional variables.