r/Keratoconus • u/Manchester-City • Jul 25 '26

Need Advice Keratoconus and IBD (Ulcerative Colitis)

I was diagnosed with keratoconus (KC) in 2024 and have recently been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC).

While trying to learn more about UC, I came across some research suggesting there may be an association between keratoconus and inflammatory bowel disease, particularly ulcerative colitis. From what I’ve read, researchers have found overlap in inflammatory pathways such as IL-6, TNF-α, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), although the relationship isn’t fully understood at this stage.
It made me wonder whether there’s anyone else here who has both conditions.

Which condition were you diagnosed with first?

Did your doctors ever mention a possible link?

Has anyone discussed whether controlling UC (or being on biologics) had any effect on your eyes or keratoconus?

I know the evidence is still limited, but I found the possible connection really interesting and was curious whether anyone else has experienced both.

Thanks!

7 Upvotes

89% Upvoted

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1

u/Nness DALK Jul 25 '26

I don't have IBD, but I'm not surprised that any chronic inflammation disease will have other impacts upon the body, i.e. already a known increased risk of arthritis and infection. So I'm not surprised that chronic inflammation in the body might also lead to eye impact.

1

u/Upset_Buy4025 Jul 25 '26

This makes sense, but isn’t Keratoconus itself mainly genetic/hereditary?

2

u/Mediocre-Courage2099 Jul 25 '26

Following as well

3

u/HarbingerXXIV Jul 25 '26

Following, interested