The causes of keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive disease of the cornea — the thin, transparent lens at the front of the eye. As it gradually weakens, the cornea thins and slowly deforms into a cone shape, which disturbs vision. Its causes are multifactorial: they combine a predisposed background and mechanical factors that it is often possible to act on.

• Repeated eye rubbing : this is the most important and, above all, the most avoidable factor.
• An allergic background (itchy eyes, eczema, asthma, allergic conjunctivitis) that prompts eye rubbing.
• A family and genetic predisposition : it is not uncommon to find several cases in the same family.
• Onset in adolescence or in young adulthood, the period when the disease is most active.

Eye rubbing exerts repeated micro-traumas on an already fragile cornea. With each rub, the cornea is mechanically deformed and weakened, which can promote or accelerate keratoconus. A real vicious circle often sets in: allergy causes itching, itching prompts rubbing, and rubbing worsens the deformation. Identifying and breaking this circle is one of the most useful actions in management.

Partly, yes. While the genetic predisposition cannot be changed, several factors remain within reach: stopping eye rubbing, effectively treating eye allergies and, above all, detecting the disease early. The earlier keratoconus is identified, the more possible it is to slow its progression.

Distorted vision, glasses that need changing often, astigmatism increasing rapidly — especially in a teenager or young adult who rubs their eyes — warrant an eye examination. A specialized work-up can confirm or rule out the diagnosis.