Ocular lesions in patients with ulcerative colitis

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aim: To analyze the data and evaluate the prevalence of ocular lesions in patients with moderate ulcerative colitis. Materials and Methods: We observed 112 patients aged 18-75 years old with clinically, endoscopically and histologically confirmed moderate ulcerative colitis which lasted at least 6 months. An ophthalmologic exam was performed to determine the presence of ocular symptoms. Results: Of the 112 patients with moderate ulcerative colitis, 21 (18,75%) had the following ocular lesions: episcleritis - 7 patients (6,25%), keratopathy - 5 patients (4,46%), uveitis - 5 patients (4,46%), cataract - 2 (1,78%) and scleritis - 2 (1.78%). Conclusions: Because ocular symptoms in patients with UC are often nonspecific, it may be beneficial to perform ophthalmologic examinations as a routine follow-up component of in such patients.