[Keratoconus: prognosis factors].

PURPOSE: To study keratoconus disease carrier patients in an age range under the usual one and try to detect any factor which can influence in disease evolution and prognosis.

METHODS

Patients under 15 years old with a keratoconus diagnosis where analyzed. All of them answered a questionnaire, and were submitted to ocular examination and also computerized keratoscopy. These patients were divided into three groups and went through a contact lens test: 1) it was possible for this group to adapt to contact lenses; 2) a cornea transplant for this group was recommended; 3) for this group it was suggested that they use glasses.

RESULTS

Patients who had 20/40 or greater visual acuity usually did not progress to transplant in the studied period. On the other hand, patients who had 20/60 or less acuity, progress to a deep transplant very quickly. Other cases, related to a lower age range (10-15 years old) progressed to a transplant. We can observe that the cornea apex has a very unsteady location, which explains the different difficulty levels regarding adaptation to contact lenses. In all patients who had a superior out of place apex and values greater than 66 D adaptation was successful. In the central apex eyes the adaptation was easier. In the inferior apex eyes it was not possible to set a standard to indicate the person for surgery. In the eyes which were adapted to the contact lenses and whose curvature was smaller than 51.10 D there were fewer chances of evolution to a cornea transplant, on comparison with patients who had a curvature of 57.60 or even greater.

CONCLUSION

Patients who have curvatures greater than 57.40, acuity lower than 20/60 and are under 18 years old have more chances to evolve to a cornea transplant. When the keratocone apex is central the contact lens adaptation becomes easier.