Eye Disease & Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes the lower part of the small intestine to swell, resulting in pain and frequent diarrhea. It can also lead to eye problems that range from minor to serious.

Size

• According to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, roughly 10 percent of all people with inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's have related eye issues.

Types

• People with Crohn's disease can experience eye issues including uveitis (a painful swelling of the middle wall of the eye), an inflammation of the outer coating of the whites of the eyes called episcleritis and frequently dry eyes.

Identification

• Because of the increased risk for eye problems, Crohn's disease patients should schedule regular checkups with their ophthalmologists.

Prevention/Solution

• In many cases, the eye problems associated with Crohn's disease will improve or be eliminated entirely upon treatment of the inflammatory bowel problem. Steroid eye drops are prescribed to treat uveitis.

Warning

• If left untreated, uveitis could lead to glaucoma and potential loss of vision.