Article summary
Keratoconus has no single cause, but experts identify several contributing factors:
- Genetics – often undiagnosed in family members
- Eye rubbing – linked to allergies like hay fever and eczema
- Hormonal changes – especially during puberty
- Collagen disorders weakening corneal fibres
- Poorly fitted, flat contact lenses
A specialist optometrist can help identify the most likely cause in each case.
About the causes of keratoconus
Expert optometrists haven’t found any single cause for keratoconus, but they can pinpoint the most likely causes. The most common cause of keratoconus is genetic, however it is also related to allergic responses and even hormonal changes in the body.
The likely keratoconus causes
Identifying the cause of my keratoconus
An optometrist who specialises in keratoconus is the only one who can identify the most likely cause of the disease.
Dr. Jim Kokkinakis is one of Australia’s foremost keratoconus optometrists. He can help pinpoint the most likely keratoconus cause by examining your eyes and gauging how other factors might impact on any diagnosis.
Learn more about keratoconus
Diagnosed with keratoconus from the age of 13
Living with keratoconus has its challenges, but with the right support, it is manageable.
Despite having keratoconus, I have lived life to the fullest
A diagnosis of Keratoconus was not the end of the world. It simply presented a challenge.
How contact lenses helped my keratoconus
Contact lenses have been a part of Helen's life for almost 50 years and she is so grateful to have them for her vision correction for keratoconus.
I could still design and sew beautiful gowns, even with keratoconus
Carol was diagnosed with keratoconus in the 1970's, yet she went on to design and sew spectacular evening gowns.
Living with keratoconus
Our patients share their stories of living with keratoconus. See how, with careful treatment, you can thrive in spite of keratoconus.
Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a condition that causes blurred vision and shortsightedness.