[Chinese expert consensus on the early screening and diagnosis of keratoconus (2026)]

Keratoconus is a common blinding corneal disease among young adults. A large number of atypical or early-stage patients are highly susceptible to missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis due to unremarkable clinical manifestations, leading to the loss of opportunities for early effective intervention and management, and ultimately resulting in irreversible blindness. In recent years, with the expansion of the population undergoing corneal refractive surgery, establishing an accurate screening and diagnostic system for keratoconus has important clinical significance for preventing postoperative complications. In view of this, the Refractive Surgery Group of the Ophthalmology Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, in collaboration with the Corneal Disease Group of the Ophthalmology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, has developed consensus opinions on confusing concepts and terms related to early keratoconus, as well as the strategies, criteria, methods and systems for the early screening and diagnosis of keratoconus, based on relevant domestic and international consensus, evidence-based medicine evidence and expert clinical experience, using scientific and standardized methods. This consensus aims to continuously establish and improve the early screening and diagnostic pathway for keratoconus, which not only provides a scientific basis for the preoperative evaluation of corneal refractive surgery and enhances the safety of corneal refractive surgery, but also offers a reference for the early clinical diagnosis and treatment of keratoconus.