Identification of Stromal Corneal Dystrophy and its Prevalence in the Population of Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Stromal Corneal Dystrophy (SCD) is a heterogeneous group of
inherited corneal disorders that result in corneal opacities, caused due to genetic
mutations leading to the accumulation of insoluble material in the cornea. A cross
sectional study was conducted by visiting seven main hospitals having higher patients’
turnover for eye-check to identify Stromal Corneal Dystrophy and its prevalence
among the general population residing in Lahore, main city of Pakistan with total
population of 11.13 million according to 2017 census Pakistan. The SCD was
determined in patients with respect to age and gender and SCD sub-types. The patients
were subjected to a visual acuity test using Snellen chart. Out of 4200 patients, the
total cases 107patients (2.5%) were detected with SCD including 62 (57.94%) cases of
males and 45 (42.05%) cases of females and other cases were related to other types of
corneal dystrophy which were bilateral and not considered further. The prevalence
was higher in the young age group (21-30 years) including 31 patients both male and
female. Among the SCD sub-type, Granular Corneal Dystrophy was noticed as a most
common type of SCD, affecting 32% of patients. It was concluded both males and
females were equally affected with SCD however; its prevalence was high in the young
population.