RISK PROFILE OF KERATOCONUS: A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL BASED STUDY

Background: The study aimed to assess the risk factors implicated in causation of keratoconus and demographic profile patients diagnosed as keratoconus. Materials Methods: This retrospective, observational, hospital-based included 376 presenting ophthalmology outpatient department a tertiary care hospital Kashmir from January 2022 December 2022. Written informed consent was obtained all participants after explaining nature study.A well-designed questionnaire used collect data recruited patients.The characteristics like age, gender, residence were noted role certain associated with noted. Results: mean age 21.8 ± 4.7 years (range, 9-32). 58.6% (n = 220/376) males 41.4% 156/376) females. Majority belonged urban areas(55.60%) than rural areas(44.4%). maximum association found eye rubbing(61.2%) followed by male gender (58.6%) group 21-30 (51%). Conclusion: We conclude that rubbing is most significant factor, exposure sunlight ocular allergy. findings our corroborate etiology multifactorial.