الفهرس 
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Abstract
Keratoconus is an ectatic corneal disorder that causes increasing stromal thinning, irregular astigmatism, and progressive diminution of vision It begins during puberty with 75% of cases diagnosed before the age of 25 years and either rapidly progresses to an advanced stage or in case of delayed onset and slow advancement, stops.. Keratoconus prevalence varies by population, with an estimated disease prevalence of 1/2000 people.
This is a descriptive non-interventional study of children aged 18 years or less diagnosed with keratoconus. The purpose of this research is investigating epidemiological and predisposing factors and suggesting prevention plans for children presenting with keratoconus.
The study was carried out on 50 patients, and each one was subjected to data collection on: demographic characteristics and full ocular & systemic examination.
In this study, pediatric KC occurred equally in males & females. Almost all cases were bilaterally affected with no significant difference between right & left eyes involvement.
Half cases were diagnosed at age 16 – 18 years. The majority of cases had no family history with KC or any other ocular diseases. VKC almost affects half cases & it was the most past ocular history.
Also systemic associations were presented in about 1/5 of the studied cases. Albinism considered the most common systemic association. Down syndrome was second in frequency after albinism in this study as a systemic association, followed by Asthma, contact dermatitis, allergic rhiniris and celiac disease.
Decreased visual acuity considered the most common complaint of patients at time of diagnosis. Frequent change glasses was second in frequency after decreased visual acuity in this study as a main complaint at time of diagnosis, followed by Itching, Headache and Corneal white lesion.
Cases in this study were almost equally distributed between stage I, II & IV.
CXL considered the 1st line of treatment at time of diagnosis in nearly half cases.