Prevalence of keratoconus in patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis in a population serviced by the St John Eye Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Keratoconus (KC) is a bilateral asymmetrical disease of the cornea that results in severe thinning of the cornea leading to a cone formation of the cornea. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is an allergic eye condition that is associated with the development of KC. The aim of this study is to observe the extent to which KC is present in VKC. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was utilised. It took place in the St John Eye Hospital, in Johannesburg, South Africa. Eighty patients and 160 eyes were included. The presence of, and the type of VKC was observed. All KC patients were classified according to sex, age and whether clinical or subclinical KC was observed. Results: This study yielded a 58% prevalence of KC. Of this, 44% were males and 56% were females. The age category represented as age 10-15 had a 51% KC prevalence. Subclinical KC had a 71% prevalence whilst clinical KC had a 29% prevalence. Conclusion: This study highlights the high prevalence of KC and subclinical KC. It advocates for the development and use of screening protocols for KC in VKC, which would ultimately assist in early disease detection and thus result in an improved quality of life for those affected.