Dry Eyes with Ulceratve Colitis

It may or may not be related to UC. I would consult with an ophthalmologist for an opinion. Many years ago I saw one & he dx'd dry eyes, however, mine was mild enough to treat with OTC drops.

I have terrible allergy symptoms when things start blooming, everything gets covered with yellow pollen. I use an OTC allergy spray plus eye drops. Where I live we do not have cold weather that will freeze stuff out so it can get hard to deal with for sure.

I was attributing my watering eyes to age. Mine is worsened by cold. My eyes Wilke water so much it looks as if I’m crying and my nose will get stuffy. I’ve tried otc drops for dry eyes but have had better luck with allergy eye drops or taking an allergy pill. FYI I’ve never had an allergy problem

As much is known about dry eye as is known about the cause and cure for UC ;-)

Could be your meds, your age, your surroundings, your make-up, the time of year, what you use to clean your home....and so on.

I use Thera Tears (OTC) regularly, and it helps. Good luck

Dry eyes and eye inflammation can certainly be an extra intestinal manifestation of UC. I have been told this by 2 doctors. If it is just dry a lubricating drop or an artificial tears ointment should be enough . But if you have pink eye , the gritty feeling and sticky discharge it could be from a bacterial infection too in which case you would need antibiotics or steroid drops. 13 months is too long for an infection to persist. Best to get your eye fully checked. Lately it seems a lot of people are complaining of dry eyes. Very windy unstable weather where I am at the moment .

Sassysback said...
Hello,
Does anyone else suffer from "Dry eyes" ? I'm wondering if it's associated with IBD For 13 months now, my eyes have been dry, sore, gritty, and sometimes I get eye pain. Lately, while flaring, my eyelids seem swollen too. I've been using eye drops
( preservative free ) that are a hit and miss at helping. Also wonder if spring allergies are making them worse.

Yes, I have problems with dry eyes, and mouth (I've had a corneal abrasion in the past due to very dry eyes in my sleep, but thankfully it healed quickly, and routinely carry water around to take sips to combat mouth dryness otherwise I can start retching if my mouth / throat becomes really dry). I also get blepharitis but routinely clean my eyelids to try to keep that under control, and I have a new problem to add to all of this - ptosis.

If your swollen eyelids could be blepharitis, you could try basic lid hygiene. Here's the Moorfields Eye Hospital (UK specialist eye hospital) guide:

https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/blepharitis.pdf

I saw an opthamologist a year ago, who said yes, my eyes are dry, use OTC preservative free drops. I do, I tried lubricant forms at night etc. They help some. Windy days and air conditioning in the car makes them worse. But it's spring now...finally
And I do have allergies.

The opthamologist said a year ago, my eyes would just get worse. I could go on a very expensive drug that may help to produce more tears but could take up to 2 years to work??? So I opted to use the OTC drops. And I've added special eye wipes to the mix. They at least feel good. I've not used makeup for a year as well.

It took several months to see this Dr. In the first place, and he did say I could try drops for allergies. I don't think he associated UC with my dry eyes. Next step...back to the eye guy....hope it doesn't take months to see him again! 😕

Seeker...As a matter of fact, my iron levels have been low. They are slowly on the rise, I stopped taking iron suppliments a couple weeks ago, to combat constipation while flaring.

Thanks for the info 😎

While I wait for my appointment...what Can I use for drops? Can you mix different kinds of eye drops? My eyes feel like I've been swimming with my eyes open in a chlorine filled swimming pool.

Lubricating eye drops can be used 2 or 3 times through the day (whenever you feel like your eyes could do with some moisture or need to feel refreshed) and if you are planning to use a non medicated eye ointment that would be more suitable at night before sleep because an eye ointment works like a protective film for nighttime lubrication and can make things look blurry and feel icky for a bit. I have never used allergy drops but typically lubricating drops like Refresh Plus etc are safe to use with other drops . Probably best to use them at different times in the day. Could you ask your doc for a phone consult or something or look for another doc available? Would hate to think you are sitting with an eye infection (if it turns out so) for weeks and months. You don’t want things to get worse really. Or ask at the store pharmacy or something for guidance.

You can also try a tea bag compress preferably black or green tea for your eye irritation and see if it helps.

I spoke with a pharmacist who told me to see a opthamologist as the current drops I'm using don't work any more.
Wish I had my own private consultant to make up a treatment plan including medications, vitamins, excerises and prepare meals for me! Lol 😎
Is that asking for too much? Hahaha My memory sucks too...so I set a timer for my medications.