The “no rub, no cone” theory formulated by Dr. Gatinel will be exposed in this presentation. It offers an alternative explanation for the pathogenesis of keratoconus. Based on numerous observations and extensive research, a mechanical theory was proposed as the root cause for the development of keratoconus. It is believed that keratoconus is not a true ectasia, but rather a corneal deformation, with a mechanical origin, arising in patients with at-risk cornea. The proponents of this hypothesis believe that it further explains the clinical characteristics of keratoconus, i.e. the variability of the disease between patients and between eyes of the same patient, as well as the predominance of sporadic keratoconus cases.