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The Effect of Crohn's Disease on the Eyes

Crohn's disease is painful inflammation and bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract. People with Crohn's disease have higher rates of inflammation in the eye as well, with common symptoms of eye redness or pain. Inflammation of the surface of your eye is known as conjunctivitis or episcleritis. When the inflammation is inside your eye, it is uveitis (or iritis). Uveitis can increase the chances of other eye conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts.

  1. Eye Surface Inflammation

    • If you have Crohn's disease you are at greater risk of inflammation in and around your eyes. When the clear covering of your eye is inflamed, the result is "pink eye" or conjunctivitis. When the inflammation is in the outermost layer of the white of your eye, the result looks the same but is called episcleritis. These surface inflammations are more annoying than dangerous. Common treatments include chilled artificial tears, though in some persistent cases your doctor may use a topical steroid drop such as loteprednol.

    Uveitis

    • A more troubling inflammation can occur inside your eye, in the uvea (or iris), called uveitis (or iritis). Uveitis can also result in a red, painful eye, though it may not be noticeable at all. Other symptoms may include light sensitivity, headache or unequal pupil sizes. The inflammation inside your eye can also reduce your vision and may have lasting effects.

    Treatment of Uveitis

    • Uveitis is usually treated with topical steroid drops such as prednisolone ophthalmic. The drops are administered frequently at first and then taper off as the inflammation subsides. You may also get a cycloplegic drop such as homatropine, which helps to quiet the eye pain.

    Complications of Uveitis

    • Untreated uveitis can result in a number of problems leading to loss of vision; the most common is uveitic glaucoma. In that case, the inflammation inside your eye blocks the eye's drainage system, and pressure builds up. This pressure buildup damages the retina and optic nerve in the back of your eye, resulting in vision loss. Uveitis is also associated with increased incidence of cataracts and macular edema, or swelling of the part of the retina associated with detailed vision.

    Eye Examinations for Crohn's Disease Patients

    • If you have Crohn's disease, you must schedule eye exams at least once a year to ensure the health of your eyes. You should also be aware of changes in your eyes such as redness, pain or sensitivity to light.

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