To determine the prevalence of keratoconus (KC) in first-degree relatives of KC patients and compare it with normal controls in the South Indian population.
Key Findings:
Familial aggregation of KC was observed, with a higher prevalence in first-degree relatives compared to controls, with a prevalence rate of X%.
Subclinical KC traits were identified in a significant number of first-degree relatives of KC patients, indicating a need for targeted screening.
Corneal tomography proved effective in detecting early forms of KC that are often missed in standard screenings, with a diagnostic accuracy of Y%.
Interpretation:
The study highlights the importance of screening first-degree relatives of KC patients to identify subclinical cases, which could lead to earlier intervention and better management of the disease, ultimately reducing the risk of vision loss.
Limitations:
The study was limited to a specific geographic region, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.
Access to advanced screening technology may not be available in all healthcare settings, potentially limiting the applicability of the results.
Potential biases in participant selection or data collection methods may influence the findings.
Conclusion:
Targeted screening of first-degree relatives of KC patients using corneal tomography can enhance early detection and management of keratoconus, potentially reducing the risk of vision loss.
In their keynote address to the 2026 Global Specialty Lens Symposium, Craig W. Norman and Patrick J. Caroline recounted the evolution of the event over the past 2+ decades.
