Abstract

Objective: To assess the risk factors for keratoconus in Pakistani population.
Methodology: Controls were those patients who presented to outpatient department for refraction only. Controls were evaluated by an ophthalmologist and was declared as having no signs of keratoconus. Controls was age and sex matched. A pre-designed, pre-tested questionnaire was used. Questionnaire was in English language. The questionnaire covers risk factors including ocular allergies, local and systemic diseases. All the information was entered into SPSS 20.
Results: A total of 60 sample sizes were used out of which 30 were keratoconus patients and 30 were general patients presenting Eye OPD. Data of 30 patients were taken having keratoconus and 30 controls were compared with them with corneal scarring/opacity as a risk factor.
Conclusion: Ocular allergy, which proved to be the most potent factor as it is featured with vigorous rubbing of eye, corneal scarring is also related to eye rubbing followed by inflammations of the cornea while asthma was associated with breathing problems and consequently sleeping disorders.

Key words: Vernal keratoconjuctivitis, Down Syndrome, corneal scaring, corneal opacity.