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Alternative names Return to top
Inflammation - scleraDefinition Return to top
Scleritis is an inflammation of the sclera (the white outer wall of the eye).Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Inflammation of the sclera is usually associated with infections, chemical injuries, or autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosis. Sometimes the cause is unknown.
Scleritis occurs most often in people between the ages of 30 and 60 and is rare in children.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
Corticosteroid eye drops are effective in reducing the inflammation. Sometimes oral corticosteroids are prescribed.
If scleritis is caused by an underlying disease, treatment of that disease may be necessary.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
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.
Complications Return to top
If untreated, perforation of the eyeball may occur.
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call for an appointment with your health care provider or ophthalmologist if you have symptoms of scleritis.Prevention Return to top
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.
Update Date: 12/22/2002 Updated by: Raymond S. Douglas M.D., Ph.D. Department of Ophthalmology, UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |