Keratoconus

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Causes

By Mayo Clinic staff

What triggers corneal thinning in keratoconus is usually unknown. If you have a habit of vigorously rubbing your eyes, however, you might be injuring your corneas, gradually making them thin out and distorting their shape. A few people who habitually rub their eyes develop keratoconus as a result.

References
  1. Nordan LT. Keratoconus: diagnosis and treatment. International Ophthalmology Clinics. 1997;37(1):51-63.
  2. Koster AR, et al. Topographical analysis of keratoconus. International Ophthalmology Clinics. 1993;33(2):261-269.
  3. Lembach RG. Keratoconus. International Ophthalmology Clinics. 1991;31(2):71-82.
  4. Rabinowitz YS. Intacs for keratoconus. Current Opinion in Ophthalmology. 2007;18:279-283.
  5. Tan DTH, et al. Current treatment options for corneal ectasia. Current Opinion in Ophthalmology. 2007;18:284-289.
  6. Tan BU, et al. New surgical approaches to the management of keratoconus and post-LASIK ectasia. Transactions of the American Ophthalmologic Society. 2006;104:212-221.
  7. Brierly SC, et al. Penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus. Cornea. 2000;19(3):329-332.
  8. Rabinowitz YS. INTACS for keratoconus. International Ophthalmology Clinics. 2006;46(3):91-103.
  9. Crosby MB, et al. Management of keratoconus. Contemporary Ophthalmology. 2007;6(9):1-8.
  10. Krachmer JH. Eye rubbing can cause keratoconus (comment). Cornea. 2004;23(6)539-540.

DS01116

Oct. 28, 2008

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