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Can Eye Rubbing Cause Keratoconus?

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For quite some time, eye doctors hypothesized as to whether or not eye rubbing was a cause of keratoconus, an eye condition affecting the shape of the typically-dome-shaped cornea. If the cornea is not strong enough to hold its shape, it can begin to slowly bulge into a cone shape. This is what is known as keratoconus and it makes it impossible for the eye to focus without the use of glasses or contact lenses.

Is Eye Rubbing to Blame for Keratoconus?

It is believed that constant eye rubbing every few minutes over years may lead to permanent changes to corneal curvature leading to formation of keratoconus. Several studies have found eye rubbing to cause transient (temporary) changes to cornea; however, there is no scientific evidence to support the claims of any long-term effects of eye rubbing. At least not yet…

Eye Rubbing Keratoconus

A 2014 study, “Relationship Between Eye Rubbing and Transient Changes in Corneal Parameters in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomised-Controlled Trial,” is seeking to finally answer the question can eye rubbing cause keratoconus? The study tested healthy volunteers after they rubbed their right eye for 2 minutes. The volunteers underwent a tear film assessment and a corneal scan before and after the eye rubbing. Each volunteer also underwent a simple scan (IOLMaster scan) to assess the overall dimension of their eyeballs before eye rubbing.

The results have not yet been reported.

So What Actually Causes Keratoconus?

In most cases, the cause of kertoconus is unknown. However, certain studies suggest the condition may be hereditary, passed down from generation to generation. Keratoconus is also more prevalent in patients with certain medical problems, such as certain allergic conditions. However, the actual cause of the eye condition is not yet known.

Keratoconus Signs and Symptoms

  1. The cornea becomes more irregular in shape
  2. Subtle blurring of the vision
  3. Causes progressive nearsightedness and irregular astigmatism
  4. Glare and light sensitivity may occur
  5. Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription

If you are experiencing the above symptoms, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor – optometrist or ophthalmologist – as soon as possible. Any sudden change in your vision is a serious medical condition that requires prompt medical attention from your optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Keratoconus Treatment

The primary treatment option for Keratoconus patients remains the use of contact lenses, including rigid gas permeable (RGP or GP) contact lenses. Other treatment options include: collagen cross-linking and even corneal transplantation.

Your eye doctor will be able to better inform you of your treatment options.

Diagnosing Keratoconus

Located in Annapolis, Maryland, the Anne Arundel Eye Center offers comprehensive specialized ophthalmic exams as well as diagnostic pre and post-surgical eye care.  Specializing in glaucoma and cataracts, Board Certified Ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles has helped restore and preserve thousands of patients’ vision. Let him help you too.

If you have any questions about Keratoconus or wish to schedule an appointment with Anne Arundel Eye Center, please contact Board Certified Ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, Dr. Kathryn Gurganus Turner, and the eye care specialists here at AAEC by calling 410-224-2010 or Click Here to fill out our contact form. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube as well!

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

What is Keratoconus? Eye Health FAQs answered by your Annapolis Eye Doctor

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What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is an eye condition affecting the shape of the cornea, the clear, central part of the front surface of the eye. The cornea is typically dome shaped. However, if the cornea is not strong enough to hold its shape, it can begin to slowly bulge into a cone shape. This is what is known as keratoconus.

What Causes Keratoconus?

In most cases, the cause of kertoconus is unknown. However, certain studies suggest the condition may be hereditary, passed down from generation to generation.

Other potential causes include:

  • Keratoconus is more prevalent in patients with certain medical problems, including certain allergic conditions.
  • Some researchers have hypothesized that chronic eye rubbing may be a culprit.

Still, most often, there is no underlying cause to explain the onset of keratoconus.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Keratoconus?

  • The cornea becomes more irregular in shape
  • Subtle blurring or distortion of vision
  • Causes progressive nearsightedness and irregular astigmatism
  • Glare and light sensitivity may occur
  • Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription
  • Double vision when looking with just one eye

How does Keratoconus affect Vision?

The changing shape of the cornea makes it impossible for the eye to focus without the use of glasses or contact lenses.

  • Irregular Astigmatism: As the cornea slowly changes shape, the smooth surface also begins to become wavy, a condition known as irregular astigmatism.
  • Nearsightedness: As the cornea becomes more cone-like, the eye also becomes more nearsighted.

How is Keratoconus Treated?

For the most part, keratoconus is treated using eyeglasses or contacts, though other treatments are available, including:

  • Corneal Transplant: When keratoconus worsens to the point that glasses and contacts no longer make a difference, a corneal transplant may be required. Still, even after a transplant, you will likely need glasses or contact lenses for clear vision
  • Collagen Cross–Linking: This treatment method, which is still in clinical trials, uses UV light and a photosensitizer to strengthen the chemical bonds in the cornea. This halts progressive and regular changes in corneal shape.

To learn more about Keratoconus, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, consultative optometrists Dr. Nathan Frank and Dr. Corinne Casey, and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com. Staffed by caring and knowledgeable professionals, our state-of-the-art treatment center is dedicated to making the best eye care accessible to everyone.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube as well!

Source: Eye Health and Keratoconus WebMD

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