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Keratoconus Frequency and Associated Risk Factors Among Patients Younger Than 18 Years With Significant Refractive
Natalia Andrea Sarria Calderón1,2, Claudia Johanna Martínez Córdoba1,2, Jennifer Andrea Pinedo Agudelo3
1Ophthalmology Department, Nueva Granada Military University, Bogotá, Colombia.
Insights
Pediatric keratoconus, an aggressive eye condition, is more common than previously thought, affecting 9.4% of young patients. Atopy is a significant risk factor, highlighting the need for early detection in children.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Ectasia Research
- Pediatric Eye Conditions
Background:
- Keratoconus is an ectatic corneal disorder causing vision loss due to myopia, astigmatism, and reduced transparency.
- In children, keratoconus progresses rapidly, is diagnosed late, and increases corneal transplant risk.
- Few studies have focused on pediatric keratoconus, necessitating further research.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine the frequency of keratoconus in patients under 18 with high myopia or astigmatism.
- Analyze Pentacam topographic criteria and classify keratoconus severity.
- Identify risk factors associated with pediatric keratoconus.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective observational cross-sectional study analyzing Pentacam examinations.
- Determined keratoconus frequency and classified patients by visual acuity and severity.
- Reviewed medical records to identify associated risk factors.
Main Results:
- 426 patients under 18 were included; 9.4% had keratoconus.
- Mean age at diagnosis was 14.9 years, with male predominance (75%).
- Atopy was the only significant risk factor (85%); family history in 7.5%.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric keratoconus frequency is higher than previously reported.
- Atopy shows a clear association with keratoconus, suggesting a causal link.
- Early detection using Pentacam is crucial to mitigate progression and reduce transplant needs.
Introduction:
Keratoconus is an ectatic corneal disorder that causes low vision secondary to high myopia, irregular astigmatism, and loss of corneal transparency. In children, the disease behaves aggressively, progresses rapidly, is diagnosed at advanced stages, and presents an increased risk for corneal transplantation; however, only few studies in children have been conducted.
Purpose:
The aims of this study were to determine the frequency of keratoconus in patients younger than 18 years who underwent the Pentacam study because of high myopia or high astigmatism in the oblique axis, analyze topographic criteria and classify them into severity groups, and identify associated risk factors.
Methods:
This was a retrospective observational cross-sectional study in which Pentacam examinations were analyzed. Frequency of keratoconus was determined and patients were classified according to visual acuity and severity scales. Medical records were reviewed to identify associated risk factors.
Results:
Four hundred twenty-six patients younger than 18 years were included, 40 (9.4%) had keratoconus according to Pentacam criteria. The mean age at diagnosis was 14.9 years, with male predilection (75%). Atopy was the only statistically significant risk factor, present in 85%. Family history was present in 7.5%. There were no differences in the distribution in groups according to visual acuity or Amsler-Krumeich scale. Most frequent ABCD classification was A2 (35.6%), B4 (47.9%), and C0 (35.6%), posterior curvature radius being a significant severity criterion.
Conclusions:
The study found that frequency of keratoconus in children is higher than previously reported. Atopy has a clear and possible causal association. Early detection should be sought to reduce the risk of progression. Pentacam is a fundamental tool for early diagnosis using simple criteria.
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