The Lifetime Expenditure in People with Keratoconus in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Aim: This study measured and evaluated the socioeconomic burden of people living with keratoconus in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional design, a Keratoconus Economic Burden Questionnaire, and a convenient sample of 89 keratoconus patients (58.4% male) drawn from multiple regions in Saudi Arabia. It was conducted using online surveys, and the data were analyzed using appropriate quantitative techniques. Results: The mean age and annual income of the participants were 33.24 (SD = 6.82) years and USD 9046.52 (SD = 16,866.48), respectively, with only 37% being employed for wages. Up to 94.4% needed glasses or contact lenses at least once a week, and 73.0% received care from optometrists. The condition forced 45.9% of the respondents to change careers or leisure activities, with a further 51.3% having to take time off work. The mean annual out-of-pocket expenses for buying and maintaining glasses or contact lenses, as well as traveling and accommodation for keratoconus-related treatment were USD 2341.76 (SD = 3053.09), with 48.32 incurring upwards of USD 3240 over the period. The treatment costs increased with disease duration, r(89) = 0.216, p p < 0.05). Conclusion: With a prevalence rate of 1 in 375, progressive debilitation, and the lifetime nature of the disease, keratoconus is a critical public health concern in Saudi Arabia. The resulting visual impairment and discomfort, as well as both direct and indirect economic burdens, have considerable impacts on the patient’s quality of life.

Keywords

• keratoconus
• lifetime expenditure
• economic burden
• keratoconus economic burden questionnaire