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. 2024;19(5):379-391.
doi: 10.1080/17469899.2024.2368801. Epub 2024 Jul 3.

Systemic and Ocular Associations of Keratoconus

Brenna S Hefley  1   2 , Arsalan A Ali  3 , Pradipta Bhattacharya  4   5 , Jesper Hjortdal  6 , Maria K Walker  4   5 , Dimitrios Karamichos  1   2   7
Affiliations

Systemic and Ocular Associations of Keratoconus

Brenna S Hefley et al. Expert Rev Ophthalmol. 2024.

Abstract

Introduction: Keratoconus (KC) is the most prevalent corneal ectasia in the world and its pathogenesis is influenced by both ocular and systemic factors. This review explores the multifaceted associations between keratoconus and systemic health conditions, ocular characteristics, and various other environmental/exogenous factors, aiming to illuminate how these relationships influence the pathophysiology of the disease.

Areas covered: This review will summarize the fundamental attributes of KC, review and discuss the systemic and ocular association of KC including molecular biomarkers, and provide an organized overview of the parallel alterations occurring within various biological pathways in KC.

Expert opinion: Despite the substantial volume of research on keratoconus, the precise etiology of the disease remains elusive. Further studies are necessary to deepen our understanding of this intricate disorder and improve its management.

Keywords: Biomarkers; Cornea; Keratoconus; Ocular; Systemic.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants, or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Figures

Figure 1:
Figure 1:
Expert opinion recommendation of step-up management of non-infectious scleritis.
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