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Keratoconus in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review
Angeline Rivkin1,2, Haley S D'Souza1, Larry Prokop3
1Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
Cornea
|August 6, 2025
Summary
Keratoconus (KCN) prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa is low but data is limited. Diagnosis and treatment options are scarce, especially in rural areas, highlighting a need for improved patient care and public health policy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Keratoconus (KCN) is a progressive eye condition affecting corneal shape.
- Limited data exists on KCN in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
- Understanding KCN's scope in SSA is crucial for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the prevalence, associated conditions, and management of KCN in SSA.
- To assess diagnostic and treatment modalities for KCN in the region.
- To evaluate provider education levels regarding KCN in SSA.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of peer-reviewed publications from any year/language.
- Searches conducted in Cochrane, Embase, Ovid, and African Journals Online.
- Two reviewers evaluated abstracts; one reviewer performed full-text extraction.
Main Results:
- Sixty-two publications from 14 SSA countries were analyzed.
- Reported KCN prevalence ranged from 0% to 2.8%, with 1.2% in Gambia.
- Diagnosis varied from slit lamps to penlight exams; treatments included keratoplasty and contact lenses, with limited corneal cross-linking.
Conclusions:
- Significant data gaps exist for KCN in SSA.
- Improved public health policy is needed to enhance patient access to care.
- Further research is essential to improve the quality of life for KCN patients in SSA.
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