Posters

Risk factors for keratoconus: a case-control study among the Iranian population

Poster Details

First Author: H.Mohammad Rabei IRAN

Co Author(s):    H. Sabbaghi   K. Sheibani                 

Abstract Details

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to determine risk factors for keratoconus among Iranian population.

Setting:

Torfeh Eye Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Methods:

In the present study 100 keratoconus patients and 200 age and sex matched individuals who were candidates for photorefractive keratectomy were included as the case and control groups. Keratoconus patients were all registered at Iranian Registry of Keratoconus implemented at Torfeh Eye Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Demographic characteristics, Patients' symptoms and their habits as well as systemic and ocular disorders were documented. Clinical examinations included BCVA and refractive error measurements, biomicroscopic examination and corneal imaging.

Results:

In our case group, the frequency of mild, moderate and severe keratoconus was 38%, 28% and 34%, respectively. The parental consanguinity (OR=1.758, P=0.029), positive familial history in patients’ first (OR=12.533, P<0.001) and second-degree (OR=7.52, P<0.001) relatives, vernal keratoconjunctivitis (OR=7.510, P=0.003), severe eye rubbing (OR=10.625, P<0.001) and systemic diseases including migraine, hypertension and thyroid disease (OR=6.828, P=0.021) were found as risk factors for keratoconus. While, lesser frequency of keratoconus was observed in patients with Fars ethicality (OR=0.583, P=0.042), higher level of wealth index (OR=0.31, P<0.001) and advanced level of education (OR=0.18, P=0.024).

Conclusions:

Severe eye rubbing, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, parental consanguinity and having family members with keratoconus, low socioeconomic status and low level of education were significantly associated with keratoconus among Iranian patients.

Financial Disclosure:

None