Ocular Manifestations of Celiac Disease: Current Evidence and Clinical Implications.

Background

Celiac disease (CD) is a systemic autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten exposure in genetically predisposed individuals. Beyond gastrointestinal symptoms, CD is increasingly recognized to affect extraintestinal organs, including the eye.

Methods

A PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus databases search up to April 2025 was conducted to identify studies on ocular involvement in CD.

Results

Large population-based cohorts have demonstrated an increased risk of cataract and uveitis in individuals with CD. Cross-sectional and case-control studies further report reduced tear break-up time and decreased Schirmer test values, indicating tear film instability and associated ocular surface abnormalities. Additional findings include reduced anterior chamber depth and volume, alterations in subfoveal and peripapillary choroidal thickness, thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer, and microvascular changes such as reduced superficial and deep capillary plexus densities. Furthermore, deficiencies of vitamins A, D, B12, and iron have been consistently associated with structural and functional ocular alterations, underscoring the contribution of impaired nutrient absorption.

Conclusions

Ocular involvement in CD likely reflects the interplay of immune dysregulation, nutritional deficiencies, and microvascular alterations. Ophthalmic referrals should be considered in CD patients presenting with ocular symptoms. Early recognition and regular monitoring may facilitate timely diagnosis, improve visual outcomes, and support normal ocular development.