OUT OF SIGHT

Eye-rubbing is believed to be a major risk factor for this little-known condition

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Many allergy sufferers struggle with itchy or irritated eyes, and when it happens the temptation to rub them can feel irresistible.

While it might seem fairly harmless, experts have identified a strong link between eye rubbing and a previously little-known eye condition.

Keratoconus is a condition that can lead to potentially serious vision loss if undetected. It mostly appears in people between the ages of 16 and 30, and usually stabilises by middle age. Eye experts used to believe keratoconus was extremely rare, but Margaret Lam, head of optometry and professional services, 1001 Optometry, says we now know this isn’t the case.