Keratoconus in the Australian Population: Characteristics, Diagnosis and Treatment

Abstract

Since keratoconus was first described more than 150 years ago, meaningful advances in our understanding of diagnosis and treatment options have been made. Many challenges however remain. Keratoconus represents a complex and highly variable condition. Analyses of diverse populations describe significant discrepancy in the incidence and presentation of the disease. Although the condition is considered genetic in origin, researchers remain unable to confirm a consistent marker for the disease. Furthermore, argument persists whether keratoconus remains a single disease response or the final result of several pathological processes. Clinically, keratoconus remains the primary reason for the majority of corneal transplant surgeries in many countries. Recently, treatments such as intra-stromal corneal rings and collagen cross-linking have provided surgeons and patients with positive alternatives for visual rehabilitation. The published literature provides evidence of our improving outcomes yet the index of our success continues to fluctuate. Understanding the diversity of keratoconus and providing appropriate classification of the disease will help researchers and clinicians alike. This may allow more appropriate targeting for laboratory research in addition to therapeutic and surgical outcomes. This related series of studies examines a variety of potentially novel approaches to incidence, presentation, diagnosis and treatment of keratoconus in both the Australian and international population thereby adding to our understanding of the disease.