Objective:

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.