Molecular analysis of Genes of Keratoconus in Sample of Iraqi patients

Keratoconus (KC) is a bilateral, asymmetric and progressive anterior protrusion and thinning of the cornea that causes corneal distortion which finally affects visual performance. Disease appearances ranging from inconsiderable irregular astigmatism, myopia to markedly failure to attain functional vision consequently making corneal transplantation is the proposed treatment. Keratoconus is known to be one of the most important indications for corneal transplantation in the world. Keratoconus takes place in all ethnic groups with the age incidence rates being greatest in younger ages with significantly no difference by sex groups. KC evidences to be a multifactorial disease that generated by the incorporation of environmental and genetic factors. The disease pathogenesis and etiology stay till know unclear but the genetic participation was proved by family studies that was showed the presence of KC patients in family pedigree for two to three generations. The aim of this study is to detect SNPs associated with keratoconus disease in Iraqi samples.