Scleritis
Scleritis
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Scleritis
Definition
Scleritis is an inflammation of the sclera (the white outer wall of the eye).
Alternative Names
Inflammation - sclera
Causes
Inflammation of the sclera is usually associated with infections, chemical injuries, or autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Sometimes the cause is unknown.
Scleritis occurs most often in people between the ages of 30 and 60 and is rare in children.
Symptoms
Blurred vision
Eye pain - severe
Red patches on the normally white part of the eye
Sensitivity to light - very painful
Tearing of the eye
Exams and Tests
Eye examination
Physical examination and blood tests to look for or rule out underlying causes
Treatment
Corticosteroid eye drops help reduce the inflammation. Sometimes corticosteroids pills are taken by mouth. Newer, nonsteroid anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs may be used in some cases.
If scleritis is caused by an underlying disease, treatment of that disease may be necessary.
Outlook (Prognosis)
The condition may recur but usually responds to treatment. Scleritis must be distinguished from other forms of inflammation that are less severe, such as episcleritis.
The underlying disorder associated with scleritis may be serious, and the outcome depends upon the specific disorder.
Possible Complications
Scleritis returns
Side effects of long-term corticosteroid therapy
Untreated, perforation of the eyeball may occur, leading to vision loss
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call for an appointment with your health care provider or ophthalmologist if you have symptoms of scleritis.
Prevention
There is no preventive treatment for most cases.
Patients with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis may need careful monitoring by an ophthalmologist with experience treating ocular inflammatory diseases.
Galor A, Thorne JE. Scleritis and peripheral ulcerative keratitis. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2007 Nov;33(4):835-54, vii. Review.
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