A Cross-Sectional Analysis to Assess the Role of Atopy in Keratoconus Among Saudi Population

Ismail Ibrahim Abuallut,1 Abeer Rihan Alomaish,2 Alshaymaa Mohammad Arishy,2 Mariam Asiri Mashragi,2 Kholod Hadi Alfaifi,2 Noura Ali Alnamazi,2 Aisha Mansour Moafa,2 Mohamed S Mahfouz,3 Majid A Moafa,4 Sultan A Jafaari,5 Abdulaziz A Alagsam,6 Hani Basher Albalawi,7 Mohammad A Jareebi3 1Department of Surgery, Ophthalmology Division, Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia; 2Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia; 3Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia; 4Optometric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Qassim University, Qassim, Saudi Arabia; 5Department of Dermatology, King Fahd Central Hospital, Jazan, Saudi Arabia; 6Department of Ophthalmology, Mohammed Bin Nasser Hospital, Jazan, Saudi Arabia; 7Ophthalmology Division, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Ismail Ibrahim Abuallut, Ophthalmology Consultant & Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Ophthalmology Division, Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia, Email [email protected]; [email protected]: In cases of atopy, IgE antibodies are formed in reaction to certain environmental factors like house dust mites, pollen, or even food allergens. Some studies have shown an association between atopic diseases and keratoconus. This study aims to determine the prevalence of atopy and its associated factors among keratoconus patients.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the Jazan population attending ophthalmology clinics regardless of their sex. Data collection started in August 2020 and finished in mid-June 2021. The sample was selected using the convenience sampling technique, and the total sample size was 83 participants. Data were collected via a questionnaire-based interview that contained 46 questions in the Arabic language. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS software.Results: Family history is the leading predisposing factor for keratoconus (P < 0.001). Also, eye rubbing was a significant (P < 0.015) trigger for keratoconus. However, other factors, including demographic factors such as gender and atopic conditions, did not have any significant association.Conclusion: A combination of genetic and environmental factors is the leading cause of the development of keratoconus; however, family history is the most influential factor, followed by eye rubbing.Keywords: atopic disease, keratoconus, prevalence, risk factor, Jazan, Saudi Arabi