Keratoconus clinical findings according to different age and gender groups

Cornea. 2008 Dec;27(10):1109-13. doi: 10.1097/ICO.0b013e31817f815a.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate topographic findings, manifest refraction in keratoconic cases, and compare those parameters with respect to age and gender.

Materials and methods: Four hundred eighty-two eyes of 248 patients (153 male and 95 female) with keratoconus were separated into 3 groups based on their ages (group 1: <21 years, group 2: 21-40 years, group 3: >40 years). Groups 1, 2, and 3 included 83, 362, and 37 eyes, respectively. All patients underwent full ocular examination and Pentacam (Oculus Optikgerate GmbH) measurement. K values (mean, steepest, and flattest), and central corneal thickness using Pentacam, and manifest refraction were analyzed by comparing the results with respect to patients' gender and ages.

Results: The distribution ratios of keratoconic eyes in younger, middle, and older age groups were 17.2%, 75.3%, and 7.5%, respectively, and the distribution ratios of those of patients according to their genders were 37.8% for women and 62.2% for men.

Conclusion: The present study demonstrates a clear inverse correlation between age and severity of keratoconus.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Corneal Topography / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Keratoconus / epidemiology*
  • Keratoconus / pathology*
  • Male
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sex Distribution
  • Young Adult