Morphological variants in keratoconus: Anatomical observation or aetiologically significant?

Purpose: Two morphological cone variants are identified in keratoconus: nipple and oval. The present study was designed to assess the impact of aetiological factors on cone morphology. Methods: As part of a prospective controlled study, keratoconic subjects from a suburban practice ( n= 89) underwent videokeratograph examination and completed a questionnaire detailing aetiological factors. Results: Comparison of 95% confidence limits (CL: bootstrap method) for apical power between the two cone morphology groups showed no statistical significance. Oval cones were located at a greater eccentricity than nipple cones, as their definitions suggest. Associations between aetiological factors examined and the morphology of the cone were not significant (bootstrapped 95% CL). Conclusion: Despite the suggestion of morphological variants in keratoconus, the results of the present study suggest a common cone aetiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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