Is rubbing your eyes actually bad for you?

Brent Kramer, MD has an answer. According to the Vance Thompson Vision surgeon, eye rubbing is one of the main risk factors for a progressive eye condition called keratoconus. Keratoconus causes vision loss from thinning and protrusion of the cornea, which is the clear windshield of the eye.

Although 1 in 300 people develop keratoconus, many don’t know about it. To help spread awareness ahead of World Keratoconus Day in November, take two minutes to learn from Dr. Kramer about prevention and treatment of this not-so-rare eye condition.

What Is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus causes thin, cone-shaped corneas. This shape creates an irregular astigmatism. Unlike regular astigmatism, a doctor cannot correct this with standard glasses or contact lenses.

Risk factors include eye rubbing and genetics. Dr. Kramer said he most often diagnoses this condition in the late teens to 30s, but it can persist throughout adulthood.

This chronic disease can persist to the point where specialty contact lenses or a cornea transplant may be necessary. Early diagnosis and intervention is key to stopping progression.

“I can't stress enough that eye rubbing is not good for your eyes,” Dr. Kramer said.

You can take steps to protect yourself. Visit your eye doctor regularly for a comprehensive exam and immediately if you are experiencing vision changes or symptoms. Symptoms of keratoconus are typically changes in vision, especially if it becomes blurry or distorted.

Treatments for Keratoconus

Dr. Kramer said that keeping your hands away from your eyes is important for treating keratoconus. In addition, corneal collagen cross-linking is the only FDA-approved treatment that stops vision loss. However, it does not help regain any vision that has already been lost.

“Corneal cross-linking actually strengthens the cornea, and in combination with not rubbing, keratoconus doesn’t progress anymore,” Dr. Kramer said. “So, it’s really a successful treatment now.”

The keratoconus cross-linking treatment uses riboflavin-based eye drops. After the drops soak in, a special spectrum of UV light strengthens the material that makes up the cornea. This process allows eye shape to stabilize once again.

Generally, one cross-linking treatment is enough to halt the disease, but it can be repeated if necessary.

Awareness and Prevention

On November 10, physicians and patients everywhere observe World Keratoconus Day. Raising awareness means more vision preserved. The earlier detection and treatment happen, the less vision patients lose to this progressive eye disease.

“We try to treat this as soon as we know people have it or as soon as we've seen a little bit of progression,” Dr. Kramer said.

If you have questions about keratoconus or would like to schedule an appointment, contact us or your primary care optometrist.