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Keratoconus prevalence among high school students in New Zealand

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From Māori Health Review Issue 82
Authors:
  • Papali’i-Curtin AT et al.
Summary:

The population-based, prospective, cross-sectional, Wellington Keratoconus Study aimed to determine the prevalence of keratoconus (progressive thinning of the cornea) in 1916 Wellington high school students (mean age 14.6 years). Overall, keratoconus occurred in 1/191 (0.52%) participants and among Māori in 1/45 (2.25%) participants. Participants with keratoconus had a mean Kmax of 48.7 diopters (D), at the thinnest point they had mean pachymetry of 494.05 μm and mean posterior elevation of 23.4 μm, and they had a Belin/ Ambrosio enhanced ectasia display overall D value of 4.30. In those with keratoconus, 80% had visual impairment of ≥0.2 Logarithm of the Minimum Angle of Resolution (LogMAR) in the better eye; 70% did not use visual aids, 70% had atopy, and 60% were from a low school decile.

Comment:
I was shocked at how common this condition is for rangatahi Māori. There are certainly a number of risk factors for Māori here including atopy (especially atopic dermatitis/eczema), lower school decile and reduced access to visual aids. Perhaps we could address these as part of a screening programme.
Reference: Cornea 2019;38(11):1382-9
Abstract
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Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.

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