Maintaining Eye Health with Celiac Disease | National Celiac Disease Awareness Month

Celiac disease is a common disorder that affects millions of people. It causes a variety of intestinal symptoms. But celiac disease does not only affect the intestines. In some cases, it is associated with certain eye conditions.

May is National Celiac Disease Awareness Month. The article below takes a look at celiac disease, symptoms, treatment, and how it can affect the eyes.   
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What is Celiac Disease? 

Celiac disease involves an autoimmune disorder that causes an intolerance to gluten. When people with celiac disease eat food with gluten, it can damage their intestines. When the intestine becomes damaged, the absorption of nutrients may become impaired. This can eventually lead to malnutrition.

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, about one in a hundred people around the world have celiac disease. But many people go undiagnosed.

Symptoms of celiac disease include:

• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Bloating
• Gas
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain

Some people can also develop symptoms that are not related to the digestive system. For instance, a loss of bone density can develop due to malnutrition. 
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Eye conditions associated with celiac disease 

Although not everyone with celiac disease develops eye complications, they can occur. Some eye diseases are a result of malnutrition due to problems absorbing nutrients. Other vision problems occur due to the dysfunction of the immune system.

Ocular conditions associated with celiac disease include:

Dry eyes: Dry eyes develop when you cannot produce adequate tears to keep your eye moist. Dry eyes related to celiac disease may develop from a vitamin A deficiency.

Cataracts: Cataracts may also develop due to malnutrition. In some cases, symptoms, such as chronic diarrhea, can lead to a vitamin deficiency. Malabsorption of calcium and vitamin D may increase the risk of developing cataracts.

Uveitis: Uveitis involves inflammation of the uvea, which is the middle layer of the tissue in the wall of the eye. According to the International Journal of Ophthalmology, there is a link between celiac disease and developing uveitis. The inflammation probably develops due to dysfunction of the immune system. If the condition is not treated quickly, it can lead to vision loss.

Retinopathy: Retinopathy involves the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina. It can occur due to a deficiency in vitamin A. 
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How to prevent eye problems associated with celiac disease

If you have celiac disease, it is important to take steps to stay as healthy as possible, and that includes preventing vision complications. Steps to take to prevent eye problems linked to celiac disease include:

See your eye doctor: See your eye doctor for regular exams. Your doctor can diagnose problems when they are in their earlier stages. Early diagnosis may help prevent vision loss.

Take supplements as needed: Your doctor may recommend taking certain vitamin and mineral supplements. Some people do not absorb enough nutrients from the foods they eat. Supplements may help, but talk with your doctor before starting supplements.

Learn as much as possible about the condition: Educate yourself on all aspects of celiac disease. The more you understand, the better you can manage the condition. Managing celiac disease well may help decrease your risk of nutritional deficiencies and possible eye complications. 
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Treatment for celiac disease 

The treatment for celiac disease involves eating a gluten-free diet. The diet needs to be followed for your lifetime. Learning what foods contain gluten so you can avoid them is essential. Continuing to eat foods that contain gluten can lead to more intestinal damage.

Certain medications may also be recommended to help treat inflammation in the intestines. This is not a substitute for maintaining a gluten-free diet, but it can help while the intestines heal.

If you have questions about celiac disease and vision, we are happy to help. If you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600. 
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