The Distribution Of Keratometry Readings, Corneal Power, And Corneal Astigmatism Among Malawian Young Adults. Running Title: Keratometry Readings And Corneal Astigmatism Among Malawians

Background/objectiveskeratometry and corneal measurements differ among populations. The aim of the study was to assess the distribution of keratometric values and corneal astigmatism and examine the association with age and gender among normal Malawian adults. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted among Mzuzu university students in Malawi. Participants were selected using systematic sampling techniques. K readings were measured using a manual keratometer. Data was entered in SPSS v 26. Chi-square was used to assess association, spearman to assess correction, and an independent t-test to compare the mean. ResultsWe recruited 98 participants, of whom 59 (60.2%) were male and 39 (39.8%) were female. The Mean age of participants was 27.13 years (SD=5.616). Based on gender, it was 27.97 (SD=5.860) among males and 25.87 (SD=5.038) among females. But an independent t-test showed no significant difference in age according to gender(t(96)= 1.8, p=0.71). On average, the flat and steep K reading was 44.93D (SD=1.49) and 45.40D (SD=1.53) respectively. The mean K was 45.17D (SD=1.47). With regards to gender, the mean K was 45.17D (SD=1.38) and 45.18D (SD=1.62) among males and females respectively, but it was not statistically significant. (t(96)=-0.045, p=0.96). Spearman test showed that the correlation between mean K and age was statistically non-significant mean ConclusionCorneal astigmatism is relatively tiny among this population group hence surgeons can use techniques to correct and other techniques to achieve greater visual rehabilitation. This study confirms that Environment and genetics play a major role in corneal changes.