Ophthalmological aspects of IBD

Ocular manifestations occur in 4-12% of patients with IBD. Uveitis and iritis are more frequently associated with ulcerative colitis while episcleritis is more common in Crohn's disease. Some ocular manifestations in IBD can be secondary to treatment and/or effects of the intestinal disease itself. The specific management of ocular manifestations in IBD requires the use of topical steroids and FANS, cycloplegics, systemic steroids or immunosuppressive drugs. When conventional therapies fail to control the ocular manifestations in IBD, the new biologic drugs can be considered as good alternative treatments. Early diagnosis and effective treatment may avoid the onset of severe and sometimes persisting complications. In some cases, a surgical approach is required to treat eye complications, i.e. cataract, and to improve the patient's quality of life.