Causes

Keratoconus has been associated with a variety of causes e.g.:

  • Heredity
  • Environment – more prevalent in hot, dry climates
  • Atopic diseases with their associated conditions (asthma, hayfever, eczema, allergies)
  • Oxidative stress – inability to eliminate/neutralize harmful free radicals which weakens the collagen and thins in cornea
  • Endocrine system – strong association with puberty
  • Eye rubbing – due to itchy eyes