Study the epidemiology of Paediatric Keratoconus  and its association with Vernal KeratoConjunctivitis

Dr.Rupal Bhatt; Dr.Kamini Prajapati

Volume : IV, Issue : V, May - 2015

Study the epidemiology of Paediatric Keratoconus and its association with Vernal KeratoConjunctivitis

Dr. Rupal Bhatt, Dr. Kamini Prajapati

Abstract :

INTRODUCTION: • Keratoconus is a disorder that produce marked thinning and conical shape of the cornea. • When keratoconus manifest in childhood i.e.less than 18 years of age , it is known as Pediatric keratoconus or Adolescence keratoconus ( between 10 to 19 years of age) • Paediatric keratoconus have unique characteristics by which it differs from adult keratoconus – its presentation , progress , biomechanical rigidity of cornea and its association with allergy and eye rubbing. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : – To study the difference between adult and paediatric keratoconus – Severity of keratoconus at the time of presentation in pediatric patients. – Progression of disease – Association with ocular allergy (VKC) MATERIAL AND MATHOD : 80 eyes of 40 pt. With conform diagnosis of keratoconus where study for stage of keratoconus at the time of diagnosis ,its progress at 3 months and 6 months and its association with allergy (Vernal KeratoConjunctivitis VKC ).Diagnosis and progression were confirmed by clinical examination, refraction, topography and Pantacem. RESULTS : – Out of 40 pt. 28 pt were below 19 years of age (70%) – 24 male: 16 female pt. – 30 bilateral: 10 unilateral – From 28 paediatric pts. 8 pt.(28.5%) present at stage 3 KC (Pantacem KK–stage 3)15 pt. at stage 2 KC (53.5%) and 5 pt at stage 1 KC(17.85%) – 7 adult pt present at stage 2(58.3%) and 5 pt. at stage 1(41.6%) – 90% pediatric pt(25 pt.) show progression while only 6 adult pt. (50%) show progression of disease at 6 month . – 20 pediatric pt. Associated with ocular allergy (71.4%) – 6 adult pt. (50%) associated with ocular allergy CONCLUSION : • In children Keratoconus was significantly more severe at diagnosis as compare to adult • Pediatric keratoconus have higher rate and speed of progression • Children with keratoconus have more co–existing Vernal KeratoConjunctivitis (VKC),children with keratoconus require early intervention to halt the progression and prevent visual disability