LASIK STUDIOS

Potential New Link to Keratoconus

The most common and severe contraindication to LASIK eye surgery has been linked to eye rubbing. This non-inflammatory condition affects approximately 1 in 1000 patients and leads to progressive corneal thinning and protrusion (Severe coning of the cornea as seen above).

Mechanisms of rubbing-related corneal trauma in keratoconus.

Published in the journal, CORNEA, by McMonnies CW.

Experts link keratoconus to eye trauma, in particular, eye rubbing as a potential culprit for worsening keratoconus. This article is published in the journal of Cornea and concludes the following: CONCLUSIONS: For some forms of keratoconus, a reduction in shear strength and cone-forming deformation may be responses to rubbing trauma. Some of the mechanisms for corneal rubbing trauma may be relevant to post-laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis ectasia or complications following other types of corneal surgery. There appear to be indications for the control of chronic habits of abnormal rubbing.

Eye rubbing must be avoided for patients considering LASIK eye surgery as Keratoconus remains a major contraindication to laser vision correction.