Pediatric keratoconus in a tertiary eye hospital in Eastern province, Saudi Arabia: Patient characteristics and management outcomes

This study investigates pediatric keratoconus in a tertiary eye hospital in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia, aiming to understand the presenting features and treatment outcomes in this high-prevalence region. The research addresses pediatric keratoconus clinical profile and management strategies. A retrospective cohort study was conducted from 2022 to 2023, reviewing medical records of pediatric keratoconus patients. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, risk factors, presenting symptoms, and treatment outcomes were recorded. Severity staging was performed based on Amsler-Krumeich's classification. The study included 218 eyes from 109 pediatric keratoconus patients, with 65% of male and 35% of female patients. Decreased vision was the most common symptom (92%), and risk factors included a family history of keratoconus (9%) and vernal keratoconjunctivitis (6%). Stage 1 was the most frequent in both age groups (