Association between keratoconus, ocular allergy, and sleeping behavior

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare the severity and laterality of keratoconus according to allergic rhinitis, scratching and sleeping habits, and manual dexterity. Methods: Objective assessments regarding allergic rhinitis, eye itching, and sleeping position among patients with keratoconus (diagnosed based on corneal tomography) were conducted. Diagnostic criteria and classification were based on the Amsler-Krumeich classification. Results: Ocular pruritus was reported by 29 of 34 participants (85.29%). Eighteen participants (62.07%) reported equal scratching of both eyes, six (20.69%) more on the right eye, and five (17.24%) more on the left eye. Comparison of the main sleeping position and the eye with more severe presentation of the disease using Fisher's exact test revealed some correlations (0.567 and 0.568 in the right and left eye, respectively). However, these correlations were not statistically significant. Conclusions: The association between higher keratometry values and sleeping position appears to be more significant than that reported between keratometry and itching, or manual dexterity.