Research Into the Pathogenesis of Keratoconus

Abstract

Ocular rigidity determinations were carried out in three groups of patients who were successful long-term wearers of corneal contact lenses. Group 1 consisted of those patients whose corneas showed no refractive changes upon removal of the lenses (as compared to their precontact refraction). Group 2 were patients who had developed permanent with-the-rule astigmatism. Group 3 were patients who developed keratoconus. Though our series is too small for statistical analysis, it would appear that at least one type of keratoconus may be related to the long-term wearing of corneal contact lenses on eyes that have an unusually low ocular rigidity.