Scleritis - Arthritis & Scleritis Drugs and Medications

Scleritis
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What Is It?
Scleritis is a potentially serious inflammation of the sclera, commonly called the white of the eye. It is the tough, white tissue that gives the eye its shape and protects the eye. More than 50% of cases of scleritis are associated with another disease that affects the whole body, such as rheumatoid arthritis, or are caused by infection or injury. Scleritis occurs most often in people aged 30 to 60 and is rare in children. If left untreated, the condition can spread to surrounding structures in the eye and may damage the eye itself, causing changes in vision.

Symptoms
The main symptoms of scleritis are pain and redness in the white part of the eye. These symptoms usually develop gradually and eventually become severe. The redness may become an intense purple. Many people with scleritis have pain radiating from the eye to adjacent areas of the head and face. Less commonly, the eye becomes teary and very sensitive to light. You may lose some vision.

Diagnosis
Your eye doctor will ask you about your medical history and conduct a thorough examination. In addition, because of the association between scleritis and other conditions, your doctor may suggest a comprehensive medical examination, including blood counts and other tests and evaluations. Ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scanning, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or a biopsy may be used to rule out other causes of symptoms.

Expected Duration
Depending on its cause, scleritis should begin to clear up fairly quickly once treatment begins.

Prevention
Scleritis cannot be prevented.

Treatment
Scleritis usually is treated a solution that you apply directly to your eye and an oral medication containing corticosteroids. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and others) may be used for pain relief. Occasionally, more powerful medications that suppress the immune system may be prescribed. If infection is the cause, your treatment will include antibiotics. In severe cases, surgery may be required to repair injured areas of the eyeball.

When To Call A Professional
You should call your doctor immediately if your eye is painful and red.

Prognosis
Scleritis usually responds to treatment, but the condition may return. If left untreated, scleritis can lead to perforation of the eyeball, which can cause significant loss of vision.

The long-term outlook largely depends on what caused the condition. Complications are common and can include keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), cataracts (scarring of the lens), uveitis (inflammation of the eye behind the pupil), and glaucoma (elevated pressure in the eye that may lead to vision loss).

Additional Info
American Academy of Ophthalmology

P.O. Box 7424

San Francisco, CA 94120-7424

Phone: (415) 561-8500

Fax: (415) 561-8533

http://www.aao.org/news/eyenet/

National Eye Institute

2020 Vision Place

Bethesda, MD 20892-3655

Phone: (301) 496-5248

http://www.nei.nih.gov/

Online Medical Reviewer: Bienfang, Don MD
Date Last Reviewed: 1/18/2005
Date Last Modified: 3/31/2005

Source: from Harvard Health Decision Guides, Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.

copyright © 2006 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved