Ocular manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease

Akshay S. Thomas, Phoebe Lin

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose of review Extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are numerous and can often involve the eye. This review highlights the ocular complications associated with IBD including the critical role the ophthalmologist can play in the diagnosis of IBD, the pathogenesis of IBD, its ocular complications, and the treatment of ocular inflammation associated with IBD. Recent findings Polygenic and environmental influences, as well as gut microbial dysbiosis, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of IBD. IBD and its EIMs appear to respond well to TNFa-Targeted biologics. Summary IBD is thought to be caused by polygenic and environmental influences, including a dysbiotic gut microbiota. It is a systemic immune-mediated disease with varying types of ocular manifestations that can precede, occur simultaneously, or follow intestinal involvement. The diagnosis of IBD can be confused with other seronegative spondyloarthropathies as well as Behçet's disease. Treatment of IBD-Associated ocular inflammation can range from corticosteroids to steroid-sparing immunosuppression such as azathioprine or methotrexate. Refractory disease can respond well to TNFa inhibitors.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)552-560
Number of pages9
JournalCurrent opinion in ophthalmology
Volume27
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2016

Keywords

  • Gut Microbiome
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  • Ocular Inflammation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ophthalmology

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