KERATOCONUS IN NORTH INDIA: A DEMOGRAPHIC AND CLINICAL PROFILE STUDY
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Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the demographic profile and clinical characteristics of newly diagnosed patients with keratoconus (KC) in North India and to analyze the relationship between age, sex, and disease severity.
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at a tertiary eye care hospital between August 2020 and July 2022. Two hundred sixty-eight consecutive patients with clinically confirmed KC were included. Each underwent comprehensive evaluation, including visual acuity testing, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and corneal imaging with the Sirius (CSO, Florence, Italy) systems [8]. Data regarding age, sex, and maximum keratometry (K max) were collected. KC severity was graded using K max. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v20, with p < 0.05 considered significant.
Results: The mean self-reported age at first presentation was 19.3 ± 6.1 years, and the mean age at diagnosis was 20.4 ± 6.0 years (range 4–43). Of the total patients, 62% (n = 166) were male and 38% (n = 102) were female. The mean K max was 59.4 ± 13.2 D. Most patients were diagnosed between 14 and 23 years, presenting with moderate-to-severe disease (K max = 51–61 D). Pediatric KC (≤ 18 years) accounted for 39% (n = 104), while adult KC (> 18 years) comprised 61% (n = 164). Pediatric cases showed significantly higher mean K max (62.1 ± 15.0 D) than adults (57.2 ± 11.4 D, p < 0.01). A weak negative correlation between age and K max (r = –0.21, p = 0.04) indicated a mild decline in severity with increasing age [9].
Conclusion: KC in North India presents predominantly in late adolescence and early adulthood with a male predominance [2]. Pediatric KC tends to be more severe. Regional screening and awareness programs are essential for early detection and intervention
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Dr Kavya Bansal
Senior Resident, Department of Ophthalmology, Guru Nanak Eye Centre, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi
Dr Rupali Kashyap
Senior Resident, Department of Ophthalmology, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Hospital, New Delhi
Dr Tanvi Gupta
Senior Resident, Department of Ophthalmology, University College of Medical Sciences and GTB hospital, Delhi
Dr Tanisha Mittal
Cornea Fellow, LJ Eye Institute, Ambala