Keratoconus is an increasingly common global eye condition, affecting more than 23 million people worldwide, with the highest prevalence in young adults and significant regional variation, according to a study.
The analysis, which pooled data from 55 studies across all regions, estimated a global prevalence of 289.1 cases per 100,000 people (0.24% of the population) and an incidence of 4.0 per 100,000 person-years. Men were slightly more likely to develop keratoconus than women, and the highest rates were observed in individuals aged 20 to 29.
Geographic variation was marked. Prevalence was greatest in Africa and parts of South and West Asia, while East Asia reported the lowest levels. Rates have risen significantly since 2015, with prevalence peaking after 2020.
Reference
Sriranganathan A, Chan CC, Dhillon J, Felfeli T. Global Incidence and Prevalence of Keratoconus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cornea. 2025;doi: 10.1097/ICO.0000000000003973. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40833011.
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