Pediatric Keratoconus Detection
1 in 37 children have undiagnosed keratoconus. Our advanced screening technology detects changes at the back of the cornea before symptoms ever appear—when treatment is most effective.
Schedule ScreeningThe Hidden Epidemic in Children's Eyes
Alarming Research Finding
Recent studies have revealed that 1 in 37 children (2.7%) have undiagnosed keratoconus—a rate far higher than previously believed. Most of these children have no symptoms and pass standard vision screenings.
Why It's Missed
- Keratoconus starts at the back of the cornea, invisible to standard eye exams
- Early changes don't affect vision enough to trigger complaints
- School screenings only test visual acuity, not corneal health
- Parents may attribute symptoms to "needing new glasses"
Risk Factors in Children
- Progressive myopia (needing stronger glasses frequently)
- Eye rubbing habits (allergies, itchy eyes)
- Family history of keratoconus
- Astigmatism that changes frequently
- Down syndrome or connective tissue disorders
Why Early Detection is Everything
Corneal Cross-Linking
When detected early, corneal cross-linking can stop progression entirely—preserving vision for life.
Stop Progression
Keratoconus progresses fastest during teenage years. Early intervention during this window is crucial.
Preserve Vision
Children treated early often maintain excellent vision. Late detection may require corneal transplants.
Pentacam: Seeing What Others Miss
Our Pentacam corneal tomographer is the gold standard for early keratoconus detection. Unlike standard topographers that only see the front surface, Pentacam creates a complete 3D map of the cornea—including the critical posterior (back) surface where keratoconus begins.
Posterior Elevation Mapping
Detects bulging at the back of the cornea—the earliest sign of keratoconus, often years before front-surface changes.
Corneal Thickness Analysis
Maps thickness across the entire cornea to identify thinning patterns characteristic of early keratoconus.
Progression Tracking
Annual scans compared over time to detect even subtle changes that indicate progression.
Myopia Management + Keratoconus Screening
If your child is in our myopia management program (ortho-k, atropine, or specialty lenses), we routinely screen for keratoconus. This is one of the most difficult conditions to rule out in myopic children, and we take it seriously.
- Annual Pentacam screening for all myopia patients
- Comparison to age-matched normals
- Immediate referral for cross-linking if needed
- 35+ years of keratoconus expertise
Which Children Should Be Screened?
We recommend comprehensive Pentacam screening for children with any of these factors:
Progressive Myopia
Needing stronger glasses every year, especially if myopia started young
Frequent Rx Changes
Prescriptions that keep changing, especially the astigmatism component
Eye Rubbing
Habitual eye rubbing due to allergies, eczema, or habit
Family History
Parent or sibling with keratoconus
Starting Ortho-K
Before beginning orthokeratology to ensure candidacy
Unexplained Blur
Vision that doesn't fully correct with glasses
Don't Wait for Symptoms
With 1 in 37 children affected, keratoconus screening should be part of every comprehensive pediatric eye exam. Schedule a screening today—early detection can preserve your child's vision for life.