Unilateral keratoconus associated with continual eye rubbing due to nasolacrimal obstruction--case report

• Published in: Arquivos brasileiros de oftalmologia Vol. 68; no. 1; pp. 122 - 125
• Main Authors: Diniz, Cristiano Menezes, Tzelikis, Patrick Frensel de Moraes, Rodrigues Júnior, Alair, Alvim, Heriberto da Silva, Dantas, Raquel R A, Figueredo, Ana Rosa Pimentel de
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Published: Brazil 01-01-2005
• Subjects: Adolescent; Corneal Topography; Female; Humans; Keratoconus - diagnosis; Keratoconus - etiology; Keratoconus - surgery; Lacrimal Duct Obstruction; Physical Stimulation - adverse effects
• ISSN: 0004-2749

To describe a possible case of unilateral keratoconus in a patient with continual eye rubbing due to an ipsilateral nasolacrimal obstruction in a 17-year-old woman complaint of progressing low visual acuity in the left eye. Presented with constant epiphora in the left eye throughout her life as a result of ipsilateral nasolacrimal obstruction, which required frequent wiping of this eye. Based on ocular examination, the patient was diagnosed as having unilateral keratoconus in the left eye. As in other studies, keratoconus is thought to be associated with persistent eye rubbing. This patient represents a case of unilateral keratoconus, where there is a confirmed history of habitual eye rubbing due to ipsilateral nasolacrimal obstruction, thereby suggesting a possible causal relationship between eye rubbing and keratoconus.