Prevalence of Keratoconus in Patients Attending Outpatient Clinic in Shahid Aso Eye Hospital for Refractive Problem

Background : Keratoconus is characterized by the thinning of the cornea and irregularities of the cornea’s surface. Keratoconus is a common ophthalmic disease worldwide especially in adulthood. Keratoconus generally begins at puberty and progresses into the mid-30s. This condition is more common in the Middle East than the rest of the world. In Iraq and Kurdistan the rate of this disease has increased. Objective : To determine the prevalence of keratoconus in patients attending Shahid Aso Eye Hospital with refractive error between January 2024 to June of the same year. Method : Our prospective cross sectional research study examined the clinical data in recording files( in which Corneal Tomography measurements were used to help detecting keratoconus) were reviewed, (305)patients among them (169) were females and (136) were males consulting Shaheed Aso eye hospital for correcting their refractive errors during the period between Jan till June, 2024. Result : Among (305) patients with refractive errors in all age groups, (92) patients (30.2%) have been diagnosed as keratoconus. Conclusion : The prevalence of keratoconus was higher among younger patients. Female were the dominant gender.