Keratoconus Ukraine children ОХМАТДИТ
Description
The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of keratoconus among children in Ukraine through a two-year study conducted at the National Children's Specialized Hospital "Ohmatdyt". The study also seeks to evaluate the demographic distribution and corneal parameter changes associated with keratoconus, and to identify any significant epidemiological patterns within the pediatric population. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of keratoconus among children in Ukraine, using data collected over a two-year period at the National Children's Specialized Hospital "Ohmatdyt". Study Design and Participants: This two-year longitudinal study was conducted at the National Children's Specialized Hospital "Ohmatdyt" in Kyiv, Ukraine. The study involved 420 children aged 8 to 13 years who underwent comprehensive corneal examinations using the Pentacam device. Participants were selected based on their attendance at routine ophthalmic check-ups. Quantitative and qualitative methods were employed to assess corneal health. This included measurements of corneal thickness, anterior and posterior curvature, and the identification of keratoconus signs. Diagnostic Criteria: Keratoconus was diagnosed based on clinical signs and corneal topography. The criteria included corneal thinning, increased curvature, and specific topographic patterns indicative of keratoconus. Data were analyzed to determine the prevalence of keratoconus, focusing on age-related changes in corneal parameters. Statistical tests included t-tests for comparing means and chi-square tests for categorical data. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the National Children's Specialized Hospital "Ohmatdyt". Informed consent was obtained from the parents or legal guardians of all participants.