Risk Factors Associated with Keratoconus in an Iranian Population

Purpose: To determine associated factors for keratoconus (KCN) in the Iranian population. Methods: In this retrospective case-control study, 100 KCN patients and 200 age-and sex-matched individuals, who were either candidates for photorefractive keratectomy or healthy referrals from the Torfeh Eye Hospital, were included as the case and control groups, respectively. KCN patients were all registered at the Iranian National Registry of Keratoconus (KCNReg (R)). Demographic characteristics, patients' symptoms and their habits, as well as systemic and ocular disorders were documented. Clinical examinations included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and refractive error measurements, biomicroscopic examination, and corneal imaging. Results: In this case group, the frequency of mild, moderate, and severe KCN was 38%, 28%, and 34%, respectively. Parental consanguinity (odds ratio [OR] =1.758, P = 0.029), positive familial history in patients' first degree (OR = 12.533, P < 0.001) and second degree (OR = 7.52, P < 0.001) relatives, vernal keratoconjunctivitis (OR = 7.510, P = 0.003), severe eye rubbing (OR =10.625, P < 0.001), and systemic diseases including migraine, hypertension, and thyroid disease (OR = 6.828, P = 0.021) were found as associated factors for KCN. Lesser frequency of KCN was observed in patients with Fars ethnicity (OR = 0.583, P = 0.042), with higher levels of wealth indices (OR = 0.31, P < 0.001) and higher levels of education (OR = 0.18, P = 0.024). Conclusion: Severe eye rubbing, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, parental consanguinity and positive familial history of KCN, low socioeconomic status, and low levels of education were significantly associated with KCN in our study population.