Keratoconus More Common in Children Than Previously Thought
In "Unraveling the Mysteries of the Irregular Cornea," Jennifer S. Harthan, OD, discussed her team’s research and findings.
By
Summer Hunt
January 1, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Keratoconus More Common in Children Than Previously Thought
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Keratoconus Key Mechanisms Early onset leads to faster progression and increased risk of corneal transplant rejection. Target Population Children ages 3 to 18, particularly in low-income and minority groups. Care Setting Pediatric eye examinations.
Key Highlights
Prevalence of keratoconus in children is 1 in 251, with suspected cases at 1 in 72. Significantly higher prevalence than the classic estimate of 1 in 2,000. Early detection through corneal tomography can prevent vision loss. Traditional diagnostic methods often miss subclinical cases. Pediatric keratoconus has worse outcomes and progresses more rapidly. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Utilize advanced Scheimpflug corneal tomography for early detection. Management
Implement timely corneal collagen crosslinking to halt disease progression. Monitoring & Follow-up
Regular screening in pediatric populations to identify keratoconus early. Risks
Increased risk of corneal transplant rejection in early onset keratoconus. Patient & Prescribing Data
Predominantly minority, low-income children.
Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes.
Clinical Best Practices
Incorporate comprehensive corneal tomography in routine pediatric eye exams. Educate families about the signs and risks of keratoconus. References
