Global Consensus on Keratoconus and Ectatic Diseases - Edition 2

Date: Thu Jul 2 3:57 AM, 2026

Global Consensus on Keratoconus and Ectatic Diseases - Edition 2

Neon · Member

Here is an overview. The landmark Global Consensus on Keratoconus and Ectatic Diseases (this was 'the first' study with the above post being about 'the second' study) was published in April 2015 in the journal Cornea.

Coordinated by major international cornea societies, 36 global experts used a Delphi method to establish standardized definitions, diagnostic criteria, and a stepwise treatment algorithm for managing corneal ectasias. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Key Definitions and Findings

Keratoconus Definition: Defined as a progressive, bilateral, and asymmetric corneal disease with genetic and environmental roots, classified under the broader family of corneal ectasias (which include keratoglobus, pellucid marginal degeneration, and post-refractive ectasia). [1]

Eye Rubbing: Highlighted as a major preventable risk factor and primary behavioral recommendation, with experts strongly advising patients to cease eye rubbing, though it does not replace medical treatment for active progression. [1, 2]

Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL): Endorsed as an extremely important, primary intervention to arrest active disease progression across eligible age groups. [1, 2]

Surgical Management: Outlined a stepwise treatment flowchart shifting toward modern lamellar techniques—such as deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK)—over traditional penetrating keratoplasty in more than 60% of eligible surgical cases. [1, 2, 3]

(Note: A expanded Second Global Consensus on Keratoconus update with over 120 international experts was published recently (please see the above post) to integrate advanced multimodal diagnostics and new technologies). [1, 2, 3]