| [ Summary ] |
Approximately 4 % of IBD patients with ulcerative colitis, and about 6.3 % of patients with Crohn's disease, experience ocular involvement. Anterior uveitis (iridocyclitis) is the most common ocular finding. The incidence in uveitis of the posterior segment is reported to be rare. Anterior uveitis often presents as painful eyes with visual blurring, redness and photophobia. However about half of these patients have no symptons. Early detection and treatment of ocular findings seen in patients with IBD are very important, because some ocular complications may be associated with significant and irreversible visual loss from posterior synechia or secondary glaucoma. Complications due to therapy, such as cataracts or glaucoma from steroid use may also involve the eyes. Therefore, eye examinations should be performed as a routine compornent of follow ups for IBD patients to avoid misdiagnosis. Many patients are unware that IBD includes a risk of eye complications and, for that reason, patient education is vital. |