Keratoconus clinical findings according to different age and gender groups.

PURPOSE: To evaluate topographic findings, manifest refraction in keratoconic cases, and compare those parameters with respect to age and gender.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Four hundred eighty-two eyes of 248 patients (153 male and 95 female) with keratoconus were separated into 3 groups based on their ages (group 1: <21 years, group 2: 21-40 years, group 3: >40 years). Groups 1, 2, and 3 included 83, 362, and 37 eyes, respectively. All patients underwent full ocular examination and Pentacam (Oculus Optikgerate GmbH) measurement. K values (mean, steepest, and flattest), and central corneal thickness using Pentacam, and manifest refraction were analyzed by comparing the results with respect to patients' gender and ages.

RESULTS

The distribution ratios of keratoconic eyes in younger, middle, and older age groups were 17.2%, 75.3%, and 7.5%, respectively, and the distribution ratios of those of patients according to their genders were 37.8% for women and 62.2% for men.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates a clear inverse correlation between age and severity of keratoconus.