Eye rubbing as an apparent cause of recurrent keratoconus.
OBJECTIVE
To report a case of recurrent keratoconus after penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) because of allergic conjunctivitis.


METHODS
Case report.


RESULTS
A 23-year-old woman who had successful bilateral PKP presented with complaints of visual impairment 3 years after the last examination. She also complained of severe ocular itching and hyperemia, and she reported a history of vigorous eye rubbing. The diagnosis of recurrent keratoconus was confirmed based on clinical findings and topographic features.


CONCLUSIONS
A recurrence of keratoconus can occur because of itch-provoked rubbing of the eyes. Patients who had PKP should be evaluated for a history of ocular allergies.
Department of Ophthalmology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey. byeniad@yahoo.com
Baris
B
Yeniad
Nilufer
N
Alparslan
Koray
K
Akarcay
D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000150:complications; D019781:Corneal Topography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006940:Hyperemia / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D007640:Keratoconus / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating; D008405:Massage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011537:Pruritus / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D012008:Recurrence; D014792:Visual Acuity; D055815:Young Adult