The Development of Criteria for Identifying Keratoconus Risk Group During the Initial Ophthalmic Examination

Introduction. There has been an increase in the number of patients diagnosed with keratoconus in Latvia in recent years. This disease must be timely diagnosed and managed to prevent some severe complications that may require a corneal transplantation. Aim of the study. The objective of the research was to understand if it’s possible to develop specific criteria, by using data from anamnesis and measurements provided by autorefractor, that would help to identify a risk group which requires more specific and detailed examination. Methods. A retrospective case-control and analytical study included 100 patients with keratoconus diagnosis and a control group of 100 patients who had myopia. Data about autorefractometer measurements and accompanying conditions were obtained from the outpatient medical records. Calculations were performed using Excel. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS 29.0.0.0 Results. The study revealed a statistically significant difference in astigmatism (p < 0.001), mean keratometry (p < 0.001), and delta keratometry (p < 0.001) distribution between the keratoconus and control groups. Study did not show statistically significant association between keratoconus and endocrinological diseases (Fisher’s exact test, p = 0,065), keratoconus and dermatological diseases, Chi-square test, x 2 (1, N = 200) = 1.418), p = 0.234), keratoconus and asthma x 2 (1, N = 200) = 3.191, p = 0,074), keratoconus and allergy x 2 (1, N = 200) = 2.098, p = 0.147). Conclusion. Astigmatism, delta keratometry and mean keratometry values appeared to be a statistically significant, so these parameters may serve as diagnostic criteria. Accompanying conditions didn’t show statistically significant association with keratoconus. Keywords: Keratoconus, astigmatism, mean keratometry, delta keratometry, allergy, asthma, dermatitis