European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Context:
Keratoconus is non-inflammatory, asymmetrical, bilateral, and ectatic disease of the
cornea.[1] The diagnosis of advanced KCN can be easily made because of its characteristic
topographic and biomicroscopic findings, but identification of subclinical cases may be
extremely challenging. Detection of subclinical cases is important prior to refractive surgeries
as it can aggravate the progression of ectasia. [6]
Aims: The present study was aimed at investigating the prevalence of keratoconus and
subclinical keratoconus in Indian population with astigmatism more than 2 D by Pentacam
derived parameters and comparison of parameters among these groups.
Settings and Design: In this cross-sectional study, 50 patients (100 eyes) with astigmatism
>2D who were referred to the Outpatient Department of Ophthalmology in Government
Medical College Patiala were recruited.
Methods and Material:All of the patients underwent a complete ophthalmic examination
including refraction, retinoscopy, visual acuity, slit lamp biomicroscopy, posterior segment
examination and corneal topography with Pentacam.
Statistical analysis used:The collected data were analysed using Mann-Whitney U Test
using SPSS version 20.0.
Results:Mean age of the study population was 27±6.7 (range 16-45) years ofwhich 24 (52%)
were female and 26 (48%) were male subjects. In this present study, 6% of patients with
astigmatism >2D had keratoconus and 9% had subclinical keratoconus.
Conclusions:
Maximum keratometry, index of surface variance, index of vertical asymmetry, keratoconus
index and anterior and posterior elevation values were significantly higher and thinnest
pachymetry was significantly lower in eyes with clinical or subclinical KCN than normal
astigmatic eyes (P< 0.05).