Colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease with many symptoms that can affect the digestive tract and other areas of the body, including the eyes. The inflammation can infiltrate the iris, whites and interiors of one or both eyes. The patient will notice a variety of symptoms involving the eyes, including pain during a colitis flare-up, and should pay strict attention to signs of problems with his eyes. Mild to severe eye problems are caused by colitis.
Uveitis
The interior of the eyes can become inflamed during a colitis flare-up and this inflammation may persist when the flare-up becomes less intense. Inflammation within the uvea, or middle layer of the wall of the eye, can cause sensitivity to light, blurred vision and headaches. The colitis patient may feel a flash of pain when she steps out into the sunlight. Damage can be done to the optic nerve and the patient should be seen by an optometrist to monitor symptoms and changes in the eye to prevent blindness.
Episcleritis
Inflammation of the white of the eye is episcleritis. The swelling takes place in the episclera, the tissue between the sclera and the conjunctiva of the eye. It can be mistaken for conjunctivitis. Redness will show in the whites of the eyes. The ulcerative colitis patient will experience mild discomfort or a burning sensation in one or both eyes.
Iritis
The iris of the eye can be affected by inflammation related to colitis. The patient will experience headaches along with pain within the eye or surrounding the entire eye and blurred vision. One or both eyes may have a ring of redness around the iris area. The pupils can become misshapen and one may appear to be smaller than the other. An optometrist will note that there are white blood cells and protein in the anterior chamber of the eye.
Significance
A patient who is undergoing treatment to alleviate the symptoms of colitis must visit an eye doctor every two to three years. An optometrist will follow the condition of the eyes and watch for possible damage. It is important that the patient describe any discomfort or vision problems he has experienced. The optometrist may suggest yearly checkups for detailed eyesight monitoring.
Treatment
Eye conditions that are related to colitis are treated with mesalamine, sulfasalazine and, in severe flare-ups, prednisone, as part of the inflammatory bowel disease treatment. An optometrist or ophthalmologist will determine if an additional treatment is needed for the eyes. Steroid eye drops, oral steroids or other medications may be prescribed. It is important to keep your gastroenterologist and eye doctor informed of any medications that you are prescribed.
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