Blood vessels travel through and on top of the sclera and can be involved in scleritis.
Scleritis is considered serious and may require emergency care.
This article provides an overview of scleritis and discusses symptoms, types, and causes of scleritis.
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What Is Scleritis?
Scleritis is inflammation of the sclera, either at the front or the back of the eye.
It can be destructive to theeye, causing intense pain and loss of vision for some people.
Scleritis is thought to be a sign of inflammation that may be present elsewhere in the body.
It usually affects middle-aged people, and women are more affected than men.
This condition is serious and may require emergency care.
Usually anophthalmologistwill be the one treating the condition.
Symptoms of Scleritis
Scleritis usually develops in one eye but may affect both eyes together.
Partial or complete loss of vision may occur.
Anterior Scleritis
Anterior scleritis is more common than posterior scleritis.
It can be a much more severe form of the disease and is sometimes difficult to diagnose.
Since this form occurs in the back of the eye, the eye may still look white.
This key in may make the eye more susceptible toretinal detachmentand angle-closureglaucoma.
What Are the Main Causes of Scleritis?
Many causes of scleritis areidiopathic(occurring for an unknown reason).
Scleritis Diagnosis
Healthcare providers diagnose scleritis by evaluating your medical history.
You will be given tests to measure your visual acuity and intraocular pressure.
Your healthcare provider will examine your eyes by using aslit lamp biomicroscope.
Also, your eyes will be dilated to examine the inside of your eyes.
Treatment for Scleritis
If left untreated, scleritis can lead to significant loss of vision.
Scleritis is usually treated with oral anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or prescription-strengthnonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Oral steroids are often prescribed, as well as a direct injection of steroids into the tissue itself.
Immunosuppressive drugs are sometimes used.
Treatment of associated problems with scleritis, such as glaucoma, may also be required.
Its symptoms include pain and tenderness.
There are two general types of scleritis.
Anterior scleritis affects the front part of the eye, while posterior scleritis affects the back.
The cause of scleritis is usually an autoimmune disease or is unknown.
Without treatment, scleritis can cause loss of vision.
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