Demographic disparities in the prevalence of pediatric corneal neovascularization cases at a tertiary care center.

Demographic data for pediatric patients with corneal neovascularization is scarce, hampering assessment of underlying causes. In our retrospective, single-center case series, we found that corneal neovascularization was relatively more common in female, Hispanic, and Black patients. We identified blepharokeratoconjunctivitis spectrum diseases as the most commonly associated condition. We also identified important markers of health care use, showing high numbers of specialty visits, medication prescriptions, years of disease burden, and disease sequelae (ocular hypertension, amblyopia, and visual impairment) within our cohort. Ultimately, our results highlight that the burden of corneal neovascularization may not be shouldered equitably within our pediatric patients. These inequities in children can compound and potentiate existing health and social disparities.