SCLERITIS

General Information

DEFINITION--Deep, localized inflammation of the sclera, the outermost white layer of tissue covering the eyeball. Scleritis is not contagious.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Sclera, which includes the conjunctiva and cornea. Scleritis may affect one or both eyes.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--All ages, but most common in adults from ages 30 to 60.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Eye pain (usually dull).
• Purple-red, inflamed areas in one or more areas of the white of the eye.
• Partial vision loss (sometimes).

CAUSES--Unknown, but scleritis frequently occurs with rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and other connective-tissue disorders. It is probably an autoimmune disorder.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Crohn's disease (regional ileitis).
• Chronic gastrointestinal disorder.

HOW TO PREVENT--No specific preventive measures.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care after diagnosis.
• Doctor's treatment.
• Surgery to close a perforation, if perforation occurs as a complication.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Rupture of the scleral tissue, perforating the eyeball and causing loss of the eye. The eye can sometimes be saved with surgery after perforation.
• Cataracts or glaucoma as a result of the treatment required.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Outcome is variable. It is sometimes recurrent, chronic and progressive. If partial vision loss occurs, it is usually permanent.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES---Use warm-water soaks (see Soaks in Appendix) to relieve pain.

MEDICATION--

• Your doctor may prescribe immunosuppressive drugs, oral cortisone drugs or cortisone eye drops to reduce inflammation.
• For minor pain, you may use non-prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen.

ACTIVITY--Reduce normal activity until inflammation subsides.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of scleritis.
• The following occurs during treatment: Symptoms don't improve in 48 hours. Temperature rises to 100F (37.8C) or higher. Pain becomes worse. Vision is affected.