Keratoconus is a progressive eye disorder that affects the shape and structure of the cornea, leading to visual impairment and distortion. This condition primarily affects young individuals and typically begins during adolescence.

Understanding the demographics of people with keratoconus can shed light on various factors such as prevalence, risk factors, and potential treatment strategies. In this article, we will explore the demographics of people affected by keratoconus, including age groups, gender distribution, and geographic variations.

Prevalence of Keratoconus

Keratoconus is estimated to affect approximately 1 in every 2,000 individuals in the general population. However, the prevalence can significantly vary across different populations and geographic regions.

Research suggests that keratoconus is more prevalent in certain ethnic groups, indicating potential genetic predisposition.

Age Distribution

Keratoconus predominantly manifests during adolescence or early adulthood. According to studies, the age of onset is usually between 10 and 25 years old.

While keratoconus can affect individuals of any age, the majority of cases are diagnosed during the teenage years. The progression of the disease tends to stabilize by the late 30s or early 40s in most patients.

Gender Distribution

There appears to be a slight gender difference in the prevalence of keratoconus. While both males and females can develop this condition, studies suggest that it is slightly more common in males.

However, the reasons behind this gender disparity are still not fully understood and require further research.

Ethnicity and Genetic Factors

Keratoconus has shown a higher prevalence in certain ethnic groups, suggesting a potential genetic association.

Studies indicate that individuals of South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean descent have an increased risk of developing keratoconus compared to other populations. Genetic factors, along with environmental and lifestyle factors, likely contribute to the development of keratoconus.

Geographic Variations

Keratoconus exhibits geographic variations in its prevalence. It is observed to be more common in certain regions of the world. For instance, studies have reported higher rates of keratoconus in countries like New Zealand, Australia, India, and Iran.

Conversely, the condition is less prevalent in populations from Africa and Japan. These variations could be attributed to a combination of genetic, environmental, and cultural factors.

Associated Conditions

Keratoconus is often associated with other systemic or ocular conditions.

It has been found to have higher rates of occurrence in individuals with certain conditions such as Down syndrome, connective tissue disorders (e.g., Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Marfan syndrome), and atopic diseases like asthma and allergies. The presence of these associated conditions may influence the severity and progression of keratoconus.

Treatment and Management

The treatment and management of keratoconus primarily depend on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, glasses or soft contact lenses may help correct visual impairment.

However, as the disease progresses, specialized contact lenses such as rigid gas-permeable lenses or scleral lenses are often prescribed. These lenses help improve vision and provide better corneal support.

In more severe cases, where vision cannot be adequately corrected with contact lenses, surgical interventions may be considered.

Some common surgical procedures for keratoconus include corneal cross-linking, intracorneal ring segments, and in advanced cases, corneal transplantation.

Conclusion

Keratoconus primarily affects young individuals, typically presenting during adolescence or early adulthood. While it can occur in individuals of any age, it is most commonly diagnosed during the teenage years.

The condition appears to have a slightly higher prevalence in males compared to females. Ethnicity and genetic factors play a significant role, with certain populations showing a higher susceptibility to keratoconus. Geographic variations in prevalence indicate the influence of environmental and cultural factors.

Recognizing the demographics of people with keratoconus is crucial for improving diagnosis, developing targeted treatments, and raising awareness about this vision-impairing condition.