Stomach problems are not for the weak, especially when dealing with chronic inflammation. Conditions like Crohn’s disease can seriously impact quality of life and make daily functioning difficult. Crohn’s disease is a condition where the gastrointestinal (GI) tract becomes inflamed, disrupting the body’s ability to properly digest food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste in a healthy manner. Common symptoms include abdominal pain and cramping, severe diarrhea, blood in the stool, weight loss, and reduced appetite. There is no cure, and the causes are often linked to genetic, environmental, or microbiome factors. But what many people don’t realize is that Crohn’s disease can affect more than just the gut. It is not uncommon for individuals with Crohn’s to also experience issues in other parts of the body, such as the eyes. One lesser-known complication is the connection between Crohn’s disease and dry eyes.

Dry eye disease happens when your eyes either don’t produce enough tears or the quality of those tears is not good enough to keep the eyes properly lubricated. This can lead to discomfort, redness, blurred vision, and even a gritty or burning feeling. For some already dealing with Crohn's disease, adding dry eye symptoms on top of GI issues can feel especially frustrating.

What’s the Connection?

The link between Crohn’s disease and dry eyes stems largely from how the body’s immune system behaves. This is an autoimmune condition, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. While the primary target is the digestive tract, inflammation can sometimes spread to other parts of the body, including the eyes. 

In some cases, the same inflammatory response that affects the intestines, can also impact the lacrimal glands, which are responsible for making tears. This leads to symptoms of dry eye disease because there is reduced or altered tear production. Additionally, people with Crohn’s might also have other autoimmune conditions that contribute to dryness or irritation in the eyes.

Another possible factor is medication. Some of the drugs prescribed to manage Crohn’s, such as immunosuppressants or antihistamines, can have side effects that include dry eye symptoms. Prolonged use of a medication can increase the chances of developing dry and irritated eyes.

Management

Managing dry eye symptoms when you have Crohn’s often starts with lifestyle and environmental changes. Things like using a humidifier, avoiding direct air from fans or heaters and taking a break from the screen can help reduce the side effects of dryness. When symptoms persist or become more uncomfortable, over the counter or prescription treatments may be needed. One option that’s gaining attention is using a nasal spray for dry eye disease. Unlike traditional eye drops, these nasal sprays stimulate the tear producing glands by activating specific nerves in the nose. This approach can be helpful who struggle with using eye drops or simply need a new way to keep their eyes hydrated.

Conclusion

Dry eyes may not be the first symptom associated with Crohn’s disease, but they can still impact daily comfort and quality of life. Whether caused by inflammation or medication, simple treatments like nasal sprays and regular eye care can offer relief. If symptoms persist, it’s best to speak with a healthcare provider.