Nhi has an allergic predisposition, often experiencing red and itchy eyes, especially in the evening. To alleviate the discomfort, she frequently rubbed her eyes, leading to recurrent conjunctivitis and blepharitis.

Recently, her vision gradually declined. Nhi changed her prescription glasses five to six times within two months without improvement. She visited the High-Tech Eye Center at Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi, where examinations revealed mild myopia in her right eye, while her left eye had severe myopia and astigmatism. Her left eye's vision was only 2/10 without glasses and 5/10 with corrected lenses.

After corneal topography, Associate Professor Doctor Nguyen Thi Thu Hien diagnosed Nhi's left eye with keratoconus, causing blurred and distorted vision. Her right eye showed early signs, with the disease not yet clear but at risk of progression.

Keratoconus occurs when the cornea gradually thins and bulges forward in a cone shape instead of its normal rounded curve.

The doctor treated her with crosslinking to increase corneal strength and limit progression. This method uses vitamin B2 combined with ultraviolet light to enhance collagen links, reinforcing corneal durability. Afterward, Nhi continued to wear rigid contact lenses to improve her vision.

Associate Professor Hien examines and advises Nhi on keratoconus. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Associate Professor Hien examines and advises Nhi on keratoconus. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

According to Associate Professor Hien, keratoconus is linked to multiple factors such as genetics, connective tissue disorders, and especially the mechanical impact from eye-rubbing habits. Rubbing eyes not only introduces bacteria, causing inflammation, but also creates a pathological cycle: the itchier it gets, the more one rubs, and the more one rubs, the more damage occurs.

Repeated mechanical force can break down collagen fibers and stimulate tissue-destroying enzymes, weakening the cornea. Simultaneously, the temporary increase in intraocular pressure when rubbing eyes can push the weakened corneal area forward, gradually forming a cone shape over time.

The condition often progresses silently and is easily mistaken for refractive errors in its early stages. Many individuals only get their vision checked for new glasses instead of undergoing a specialist examination, leading to diagnosis only when the disease has reached moderate or severe stages.

According to Associate Professor Hien, keratoconus can begin in adolescence and progress for many years before detection, with a high incidence rate in the 20-29 age group. Allergic predisposition, prolonged use of electronic devices, and eye-rubbing habits are factors that increase the risk.

Individuals experiencing prolonged itchy eyes, progressively blurry vision, or no improvement after multiple changes in glasses should seek early consultation with an eye specialist. Limiting eye rubbing, maintaining hand hygiene, and thoroughly treating inflammatory and allergic conditions can help protect vision.

Khue Lam