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. 2024 Mar 6;16(3):e55692.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.55692. eCollection 2024 Mar.

Prevalence of Keratoconus in the Young Eastern Population of Saudi Arabia

Ashbala Khattak  1 , Abid Altalhi  1 , Anwar B Alotaibi  2 , Aadam M Khattak  3
Affiliations

Prevalence of Keratoconus in the Young Eastern Population of Saudi Arabia

Ashbala Khattak et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Background: Keratoconus (KCN) is a progressive corneal ectasia that manifests at a young age and significantly impacts vision and quality of life. Early diagnosis allows for effective treatment with corneal collagen crosslinking, yet there is a lack of screening methods. This research aims to screen adolescents and young adults for this sight-threatening disease using quick corneal tomography mapping.

Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study is being conducted at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare in Saudi Arabia, focusing on subjects aged 13-23. We are presenting the data from our study as internal pilot study data. Bilateral corneal imaging with Pentacam HR (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany), utilizing Scheimpflug corneal tomography, was performed. Historical data on allergies, eye rubbing, KCN, family history, previous eye surgery, and contact lens use were collected. The Belin Ambrosio Enhanced Ectasia Display total D value served as an objective criterion for suspect KCN (SKCN) diagnosis.

Results: In this study with 110 participants, KCN was identified in 2.75% of participants and SKCN in 11.93%. Systemic allergies or eczema were reported by 2.80%, with no cases in the KCN or SKCN groups. Eye rubbing behavior was observed in 5.50%, with the highest prevalence (33.30%) in the KCN group. A family history of KCN was found in 21.10%, with SKCN having the highest prevalence (30.80%).

Conclusion: This restricted population study reveals a significant KCN rate of 2.75%. The condition, easily detected and treatable with corneal collagen crosslinking, highlights the need for larger population studies to determine the disease's true prevalence. Efficient screening programs tailored to regional data are essential for early detection and intervention.

Keywords: crosslinking; early screening; keratoconus (kc); progressive vision loss; young population.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Distribution of KCN, normal, and SKCN participants
KCN: keratoconus, SKCN: suspect keratoconus
Figure 2
Figure 2. SKCN based on the BAD-D value of 2.31
BAD-D value: Belin Ambrosio Display D value, SKCN: suspect keratoconus
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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