EXPLORE!

eWellness: Repeated eye rubbing is a risk factor for keratoconus

  864 Views

Dr KK Aggarwal    02 February 2020

Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive degenerative condition of the eye in which the cornea becomes progressively thinner and cone-like. If left untreated, it can lead to significant visual impairment.

The word keratoconus originates from the Greek words kerato-idis (cornea) and konos (cone). The condition was first described by John Nottingham.

Key points about keratoconus

  • Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory, bilateral (but usually asymmetrical) disease of the cornea resulting in progressive corneal steepening
  • It is characterized by paracentral corneal thinning and ectasia so that the cornea becomes cone like in shape.
  • It first becomes evident at puberty, and then progresses until the third to fourth decade of life when it usually arrests. Sometimes; however, it may commence later in life and progress or arrest at any age.
  • Risk factors: Atopic history, especially ocular allergies, rigid contact lens wear and vigorous eye rubbing. Repeated eye rubbing may cause progression of the disease.
  • Symptoms: Initially, keratoconus may be asymptomatic, but significant vision loss occurs in advanced disease. The loss of vision is mainly due to myopia and irregular astigmatism and secondarily from corneal scarring.
  • Diagnosis: Refraction, keratometry, corneal topography and slit-lamp (bio-microscopy) examination.
  • Commonly associated with vernal keratoconjunctivitis, retinitis pigmentosa, Leber congenital amaurosis, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Marfan syndrome, mitral valve prolapse, atopic dermatitis and Down syndrome.
  • Treatment: Spectacle correction often helps in early stages; however, contact lenses (Rigid gas-permeable) may be required when irregular astigmatism develops.
  • World Keratoconus Day is observed annually on November 10 to raise awareness about the condition. Since, eye rubbing is a risk factor, eye rubbing should be avoided.

(Source: National Health Portal of India)

To comment on this article,
create a free account.

Sign Up to instantly get access to 10000+ Articles & 1000+ Cases

Already registered?

Login Now

Most Popular Articles

News and Updates

eMediNexus provides latest updates on medical news, medical case studies from India. In-depth medical case studies and research designed for doctors and healthcare professionals.