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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
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Extraction and Analysis of Cortisol from Human and Monkey Hair
Published on: January 24, 2014
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Association between hair cortisol levels and keratoconus: A prospective study
Noor Alqudah1, Nosayba Al-Azzam2, Leen El Taani1
1Department of Special Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
Plos One
|September 12, 2025
Summary
Higher hair cortisol levels may indicate keratoconus progression, while lower levels suggest disease stability. Cortisol could be a biomarker for monitoring keratoconus, but further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
- Corneal Diseases
Background:
- Keratoconus is a progressive corneal thinning disorder causing visual impairment.
- Cortisol's role in keratoconus development and progression is under investigation.
- The link between cortisol levels and keratoconus severity requires further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between hair cortisol levels and keratoconus severity in Jordanians.
- To explore cortisol as a potential biomarker for keratoconus progression or stability.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study in Jordan with 60 participants (20 healthy, 20 progressive keratoconus, 20 stable keratoconus).
- Participants aged 18-30 years.
- Collected demographic, clinical, and ocular data, including hair cortisol levels and corneal topography indices (Kmax, Kmean, thinnest corneal location).
Main Results:
- Median hair cortisol was significantly higher in progressive keratoconus (987 pg/mL) versus stable keratoconus (300 pg/mL).
- A significant negative association was found between cortisol levels and stable keratoconus.
- No significant associations were observed between cortisol levels and BMI, Kmax, Kmean, or keratoconus severity across eyes.
Conclusions:
- Elevated cortisol may correlate with keratoconus progression; lower levels may indicate stability.
- Cortisol shows potential as a biomarker for monitoring keratoconus.
- Multicenter studies are necessary to confirm findings and elucidate cortisol's role in keratoconus pathogenesis.
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