Keratoconus - Diversity
Published 2025 - 43rd Congress of the ESCRS
Reference: PO579 | Type: Free paper | DOI: 10.82333/jbdt-vg66
Authors: Rebecca Buhl* 1 , Michael Kempf 2 , Claudia Stern 3 , Thomas Schmitt 2 , Anne-Marie Albuszies 2 , Gerd Auffarth 1 , Esther Stahl-Buhl 2
1Department of Ophthalmology,Heidelberg University Hospital,Heidelberg,Germany, 2Lufthansa Medical Services & Health Management Frankfurt,Frankfurt ,Germany, 3German Aerospace Center,Cologne,Germany
Purpose
The study aimed to document the clinical stage of keratoconus at the time of the first consultation with a private ophthalmologist or in the specialized keratoconus clinic at Kepler University Hospital. In addition, potential demographic and geographic factors influencing the early diagnosis and treatment of the disease were identified. By analyzing these factors, the study sought to identify gaps in care to contribute to the future optimization of early detection and treatment of keratoconus.
Setting
Keratoconus is a progressive, bilateral corneal disease that leads to thinning and deformation of the cornea, causing irregular astigmatism and significant visual impairment. Despite the clinical relevance, there is limited demographic and geographic data on keratoconus, especially regarding patient care in Austria. This gap in data complicates targeted prevention and optimization of therapeutic approaches for affected patients.
Methods
The conducted monocentric cross-sectional study collects socioeconomic factors, quality of life, and objective measurement parameters in patients with keratoconus. Swept-source OCT images (MS-39, CSO, Italy) and Pentacam measurements (Oculus, Germany) as well as best corrected visual acuity were evaluated for all patients. Additionally, two questionnaires were used: a specially developed questionnaire to assess socioeconomic and geographical factors, and the Rasch-validated KORQ questionnaire to assess quality of life and subjective symptoms.
Results
The Kmax value at the initial presentation was 53.16 dpt (right eye) and 54.52 dpt (left eye), with standard deviations of 9.05 dpt and 10.40 dpt, respectively. The thinnest point of the cornea was 470 µm (right eye) and 466.86 µm (left eye). At the last examination, the Kmax values were 53.16 dpt (right eye) and 54.52 dpt (left eye), with standard deviations of 7.53 dpt and 7.96 dpt. The thinnest point of the cornea in the last examination was 470.15 µm right and 461.19 µm left, with standard deviations of 55.83 µm and 49.98 µm. The socioeconomic data will be presented at the ESCRS in Copenhagen.
Conclusions
Almost one third of keratoconus patients in Austria are female. A preliminary analysis found a trend between long travel times to the ophthalmologist and a later diagnosis, but a significant difference between urban and rural areas could not be confirmed.