Quick answer: The exact cause of keratoconus is not fully known. It results from a combination of an inherited tendency for a weaker cornea and environmental factors, the most important being frequent eye rubbing. Eye allergy, a family history of keratoconus and certain other conditions increase the risk. You cannot change your genes, but stopping eye rubbing and treating allergy help protect the cornea.
Key Takeaways
- Keratoconus is caused by a mix of genetic tendency and environmental factors.
- Frequent eye rubbing is the most important risk factor you can change.
- Eye allergy, a family history and some other conditions increase the risk.
- LASIK does not cause keratoconus, but it can make undiagnosed keratoconus worse, which is why every patient is screened first.
- Brothers, sisters and children of patients should have a corneal scan.
What Causes Keratoconus?
In keratoconus, the collagen structure of the cornea becomes weaker. The cornea thins and bulges forward into a cone. Researchers believe this happens when a cornea that is genetically more vulnerable is exposed to mechanical stress, mainly rubbing, and to inflammation from conditions such as eye allergy.
Who Is Most at Risk of Keratoconus?
| Risk factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Frequent eye rubbing | Strongly linked to keratoconus starting and getting worse |
| Eye allergy (including vernal keratoconjunctivitis) | Causes itching, which leads to rubbing, and inflammation of the eye surface |
| Family history | Keratoconus can run in families, although the pattern is not predictable |
| Age | Usually starts in the teens or twenties and progresses most at a young age |
| Certain conditions | Down syndrome, connective tissue disorders, sleep apnoea and floppy eyelid syndrome are associated with keratoconus |
| Hormonal changes | Pregnancy has been associated with progression in some patients |
Can LASIK Cause Keratoconus?
LASIK does not cause keratoconus in a healthy cornea. However, if a cornea already has early keratoconus that was not detected, LASIK can weaken it and cause it to bulge (ectasia). This is why I screen every eye with corneal tomography before any laser vision correction. Read about LASIK requirements.
Can Keratoconus Be Prevented?
Keratoconus cannot always be prevented, but you can lower the risk of it starting or getting worse:
- Stop rubbing your eyes. Use cold compresses and the anti-allergy drops your doctor prescribes when your eyes itch.
- Treat eye allergy early and consistently.
- Screen the family: brothers, sisters and children of someone with keratoconus should have a corneal scan, especially in their teens.
- Get screened before laser vision correction.
- Act on early signs: rising astigmatism needs a corneal scan, and progressive keratoconus can be stopped with cross-linking.
Read about the symptoms of keratoconus and keratoconus treatment.
What Patients Say (Google Reviews)
My daughter’s experience with Dr. Fouad El Sayyad was very successful, thanks to God and then Dr. Fouad. It was a corneal cross-linking procedure, followed by the use of rigid contact lenses. … They are honest in how they deal with each case.
Google review · Sayyad Eye Center, Mohandeseen · October 2026 · translated from Arabic
Where Does Dr. Fouad El Sayyad See Patients?
- Sayyad Eye Center, Mohandeseen: 3A Gameat El Dowal El Arabeya St., Sphinx Square.
- Sayyad Eye Center, New Cairo: Medical Park 2, opposite New Cairo Court.
To book an appointment with Dr. Fouad El Sayyad, call or WhatsApp 01000088168.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is keratoconus genetic?
Keratoconus has a genetic component and can run in families, but the inheritance pattern is not predictable. Most people with keratoconus do not have an affected relative. Family members of patients should still have a corneal scan.
Does eye rubbing cause keratoconus?
Frequent, forceful eye rubbing is strongly linked to keratoconus starting and getting worse, especially in people who are already prone to it. Stopping rubbing is one of the most important things you can do.
Can allergy cause keratoconus?
Eye allergy does not cause keratoconus on its own, but it makes the eyes itch, which leads to rubbing, and causes inflammation of the eye surface. Treating allergy lowers the risk of keratoconus getting worse.
Can LASIK cause keratoconus?
LASIK does not cause keratoconus in a healthy cornea, but it can make undiagnosed keratoconus worse. That is why corneal tomography is done before every laser vision correction.
Can keratoconus be prevented?
Not always, but stopping eye rubbing, treating allergy and screening family members help. If keratoconus is found early and is progressing, cross-linking can stop it from getting worse.
Does pregnancy affect keratoconus?
Pregnancy has been associated with keratoconus progression in some women, probably because of hormonal changes. Women with keratoconus who are planning a pregnancy should discuss monitoring with their eye doctor.
Is keratoconus more common in hot countries?
Keratoconus appears to be more common in some regions, including the Middle East. Possible reasons include genetics, eye allergy and exposure to sun and dust, which can lead to more eye rubbing.
Who should be screened for keratoconus?
Teenagers and young adults with rising astigmatism, family members of patients, people with eye allergy who rub their eyes, and anyone planning LASIK, SMILE Pro or PRK.
This article is for general education and does not replace an eye examination. Treatment decisions depend on your own eye assessment.
References
This article is for general education and does not replace an eye examination. Treatment decisions depend on your own eye assessment.
FAQS
-
Is keratoconus genetic?
Keratoconus has a genetic component and can run in families, but the inheritance pattern is not predictable. Most people with keratoconus do not have an affected relative. Family members of patients should still have a corneal scan.
-
Does eye rubbing cause keratoconus?
Frequent, forceful eye rubbing is strongly linked to keratoconus starting and getting worse, especially in people who are already prone to it. Stopping rubbing is one of the most important things you can do.
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