Economic impact of keratoconus using a health expenditure questionnaire: A patient perspective

Importance This is the first study to estimate the lifetime costs associated with keratoconus based on a questionnaire completed by patients and highlights the significant economic burden of the disease. As keratoconus affects individuals from a young age, the study highlights keratoconus as a public health concern. Background Keratoconus is a disorder characterized by corneal steepening and thinning, leading to reduced visual acuity. To date, there have been no studies evaluating the economic costs of keratoconus from a patient's perspective. Design A randomized cross-sectional study undertaken in Australia where keratoconus subjects were recruited from public and private ophthalmology and optometry clinics. Participants A total of 100 participants completed the questionnaire: median age was 31 years and 57% were males. Methods A keratoconus health expenditure questionnaire was designed to assess direct and indirect expenditures for each individual. Main Outcome Measures Total direct and indirect costs associated with the condition were calculated along with the estimated lifetime per capita costs. Results The total cost related to direct and indirect care was estimated to be AUD 3365. By applying our cost data to keratoconus prevalence data for the Australian population, the total cost is estimated to be approximately AUD 44.7 million per year in Australia. Conclusions and Relevance Our results show that the costs associated with the diagnosis and management of keratoconus represent a significant cost to patients. An understanding of this is important not only to individuals and their families, but also health care providers, health insurers and the wider health system.