Causes

Inflammation of the sclera is usually associated with 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 and tenderness - severe
• Red patches on the normally white part of the eye
• Sensitivity to light - very painful
• Tearing of the eye

A rare form of this disease causes no eye pain or redness.

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 may be undiagnosed at the time of the first episode. 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.

Alternative Names

Inflammation - sclera

References

Watson P. Diseases of the sclera and episclera. In: Tasman W, Jaeger EA, eds. Duane’s Ophthalmology. 15th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2009:chap 23.

Update Date: 4/28/2012

Reviewed by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.