Abstract
Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory, chronic, idiopathic, corneal disease characterized by thinning of the core or paracentral part of the cornea. In this study, we demonstrate the prevalence of keratoconus among patients seeking refractive surgery using laser vision correction (LVC) at the Department of Ophthalmology, Private Eye Center, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
A retrospective cross-sectional study was undertaken with the data from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 in the ophthalmology department of Jazan city. This study included 1068 eyes of 534 patients of which 56.8% were men. The mean patient age was 28.5 (SD = 8.3) years. The analyst performed chi-square tests for the report. Prevalence was calculated at a 95% confidence interval at specified times in the year (CI).
The prevalence of manifest unilateral keratoconus was 3% and that of bilateral keratoconus was 18.72%; on the other hand prevalence rates of suspected unilateral KC was 16.48% and of bilateral KC 9.36%. Significant differences between eyes were noted and recorded.
The occurrence and spread of this condition are on the rise in the city of Jazan and on the outskirts.
eyeball disorder (keratoconus), prevalence, risk factors, treatment of the disorder (vision).
•We reported a high prevalence of keratoconus. 3% had uni KC, 18.72% had bi KC, 16.48% had uni KC, and 9.36% had bi KC.•Using social media websites, malls, and television to raise awareness of keratoconus is recommended.•Screening is recommended for the detection of keratoconus early to avoid its complications.•Future studies should include a larger number of hospitals to estimate the prevalence of keratoconus in the Jazan region.