Eye rubbing habit linked to keratoconus and corneal transplant risks

Medical experts are warning that the common habit of eye rubbing, often triggered by allergies, can lead to serious vision complications such as keratoconus and even necessitate corneal transplants.

Keratoconus occurs when the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape. Specialists note that while it may initially appear as simple astigmatism, untreated progression can lead to permanent vision loss. Key warning signs for families include frequent eye rubbing, rapid changes in eyeglass prescriptions, difficulty seeing clearly despite wearing glasses, and seeing halos around lights during night driving.

To prevent these issues, experts recommend using UV400 certified sunglasses and hats to protect children from sun exposure. They also advise against using unbranded dark lenses, which can cause pupil dilation and allow harmful rays to enter the eye. While antihistamine drops may help manage itching, parents are cautioned against using corticosteroid drops without medical supervision due to potential long-term side effects.