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Baseline findings in the Collaborative Longitudinal Evaluation of Keratoconus (CLEK) Study
K Zadnik1, J T Barr, T B Edrington
1College of Optometry, The Ohio State University, Columbus 43210-1240, USA.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|December 18, 1998
Summary
The Collaborative Longitudinal Evaluation of Keratoconus (CLEK) Study found that most keratoconus patients have mild to moderate disease and are not at increased risk for connective tissue disease. Further research will track disease progression and its impact on quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Diseases
- Keratoconus Research
Background:
- Keratoconus is a progressive corneal ectasia.
- Understanding baseline characteristics is crucial for managing keratoconus.
- The Collaborative Longitudinal Evaluation of Keratoconus (CLEK) Study aims to provide comprehensive data on keratoconus patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the baseline findings in patients enrolled in the Collaborative Longitudinal Evaluation of Keratoconus (CLEK) Study.
- To establish initial data on disease severity, visual function, and patient-reported outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal observational study involving 1209 patients with keratoconus.
- Data collected at 16 clinical centers.
- Key outcome measures included corneal scarring, visual acuity, keratometry, and quality of life.
Main Results:
- Patients had a mean age of 39.29 years, with 95.4% exhibiting steep keratometric readings (>= 45 D), indicating moderate to severe disease.
- Despite disease severity, 77.9% had best corrected visual acuity of at least 20/40 in both eyes.
- 53% had corneal scarring, 65% wore comfortable rigid gas-permeable contact lenses, and 53% reported a history of atopy. Family history of keratoconus was reported by 13.5%.
Conclusions:
- Baseline data suggest keratoconus is not linked to an increased risk of connective tissue disease.
- The CLEK Study sample primarily represents patients with mild to moderate keratoconus.
- Longitudinal follow-up will elucidate keratoconus progression, identify associated factors, and assess quality of life impacts.