From the Research
The prevalence of keratoconus is estimated to be between 0.2 and 4,790 per 100,000 persons, with the highest rates typically occurring in 20- to 30-year-olds and Middle Eastern and Asian ethnicities, as reported in the most recent study 1. The prevalence of keratoconus varies internationally, ranging from 8.8 to 54.4 per 100,000 people. In New Zealand specifically, a 1978 report estimated the occurrence rate in Hawkes Bay to be 1 in 2,000 people, affecting both Maori and European populations equally. Later studies in New Zealand have shown mixed results regarding ethnic distribution. A practitioner-based survey found that most keratoconus patients were of European descent, with Maori and Pacific Islanders accounting for about 20 percent, which reflected the general population distribution. However, a more recent study at Auckland District Health Board found significantly higher proportions of Maori and Pacific patients than in the general population. Both studies noted a male predominance of approximately 55-58 percent. Some key points to consider when evaluating the prevalence of keratoconus include:
- The condition affects all ethnicities and both sexes, with a higher prevalence in certain populations such as Middle Eastern and Asian ethnicities 1.
- The prevalence and incidence rates of keratoconus have been estimated to be between 0.2 and 4,790 per 100,000 persons and 1.5 and 25 cases per 100,000 persons/year, respectively 1.
- A recent study found that keratoconus was diagnosed in 0.85% of participants, and keratoconus suspect was diagnosed in 1.46% of participants, with corneal tomography being a useful tool for detection 2.
- The management of keratoconus typically involves the use of corneal rigid gas-permeable contact lenses, with other options such as hybrid contact lenses and scleral lenses also being used 3, 4, 5. Based on the most recent and highest quality study, the estimated prevalence of keratoconus is between 0.2 and 4,790 per 100,000 persons, with the highest rates typically occurring in 20- to 30-year-olds and Middle Eastern and Asian ethnicities 1.