Pattern of Keratoconus - A Hospital Based Study

Abstract

Aim: To study the pattern of keratoconus including age, sex, and risk factors such as eye rubbing, UV exposure. Material And Methods: Retrospective hospital based study including 437 diagnosed patients of keratoconus in the year 2022. Results: In our study the prevalence of keratoconus was 0.5%. The mean age of keratoconus patients in our study was 25.67 years. Males (54.7%) were affected more than females (45%). Maximum number of cases were from Srinagar followed by Pulwama and Budgam districts. Most of the patients gave itching and eye rubbing as a symptom and were associated with VKC. Conclusion: We believe that the prevalence of keratoconus in Kashmir is way beyond which is diagnosed. This is because of the lack of proper investigative tools. The number is just the tip of iceberg which we got in our hospital. Moreover, eye rubbing, VKC and UV exposure has been the most important risk factor. Keywords: Keratoconus, Corneal Topography, Prevalence, Distribution.