Yes, celiac disease can affect your eyes. The condition is known as celiac-related ocular disease and can cause a variety of eye-related problems.
Celiac-related ocular disease can cause the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, to become inflamed and swollen. This can lead to severe dry eye syndrome, which can cause redness, irritation, burning, and blurred vision. In some cases, the inflammation can lead to vision loss or permanent scarring of the cornea.
Celiac-related ocular disease can also cause the retina to become inflamed, leading to retinal detachment. This can cause symptoms such as floaters, flashes, or blurred vision. If left untreated, retinal detachment can cause permanent vision loss.
Celiac-related ocular disease can also cause a decrease in tear production, leading to keratoconjunctivitis sicca. This condition is characterized by dry, itchy eyes, as well as light sensitivity and blurred vision.
Finally, celiac-related ocular disease can cause a number of other eye-related issues such as glaucoma, cataracts, and uveitis. All of these conditions can lead to vision loss if not treated promptly.
If you have been diagnosed with celiac disease, it is important to talk to your doctor about any changes in your vision or eye-related symptoms. Treatment of celiac-related ocular disease typically involves a gluten-free diet and close monitoring by an ophthalmologist.