Aetiology of keratoconus

Keratoconus has a common association with atopic conditions. Most keratoconus patients rub their eyes excessively. Eye-rubbing is considered the dominant aetiological factor in two-thirds of patients with keratoconus who progress to contact lens wear. A classification of keratoconus based on the dominant aetiological factors is proposed. No significant psychoneurotic factor was found in the keratoconus patients compared with patients in the control group.