What Eye Problems are Typical With Crohn's Disease?

The digestive symptoms and complications of Crohn's disease are well known. However, there are other parts of the body that may be impacted in Crohn's disease, such as the eye. In Crohn's disease, many different parts of the eye may show effects; it is important that these conditions be diagnosed, evaluated and managed by an ophthalmologist to prevent any potential loss of vision.

History

• Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and consists of a series of flares and remissions of inflammation of the digestive tract. According to PennHealth.com, the exact cause of Crohn's disease is unknown; however, a genetic component is believed to play a role in its development. A problem with the patient's immune system contributes to the condition. Inflammatory lesions can occur from the mouth to the anus, but the condition can also cause complications in the eyes. Many of the eye conditions involve inflammation as well.

Uveitis

• Uveitis is a common eye problem associated with Crohn's disease. Uveitis is an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye and can only be diagnosed by an eye doctor with an eye examination. Symptoms include pain, blurry vision, eye redness and sensitivity to light. If the condition is not treated, uveitis can lead to an elevation in eye pressure or glaucoma and a potential loss of vision.

Episcleritis

• Another eye problem, episcleritis, occurs in patients with Crohn's disease. This condition affects one part of the white part of the eye; this part is called the episclera (the connecting tissue between the sclera and the conjunctiva). The main symptom of this condition is redness from the swelling of the blood vessels in the episclera but also can include pain and eye tenderness.

Corneal Disease

• Keratopathy is a disease of the cornea (the clear tissue in front of the eye). This condition does not have many symptoms and it does not always cause loss of vision; however, keratopathy still should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist. Another condition, dry eye or keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), is caused by a lack of vitamin A and can occur in patients with Crohn's disease. The symptoms are burning and itching eyes. It can lead to ulcers of the cornea if not treated. KCS is more serious and can lead to loss of vision as well.

Other Conditions

• The retina and optic nerve can also become inflamed in patients with Crohn's disease although this is not a common complication. Medications that are used to treat Crohn's disease can cause eye disease as well. Steroid medications can lead to both cataracts, which is a clouding of the lens of the eye, or glaucoma in patients with Crohn's disease.

Treatment

• For the treatment of uveitis and episcleritis, the ophthalmologist will prescribe steroid eye drops to manage the inflammation. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca may require artificial tears and vitamin A supplementation and in severe cases, antibiotic drops. As a rule, the eye conditions improve when the Crohn's disease improves---either when the disease goes into remission or when it is successfully treated.