Scleritis

INTRODUCTION:
Scleritis is an inflammation of the sclera (the white outer wall of the eye).
The disease is often contracted through association with other diseases of the body.
CAUSES,RISK FACTORS:
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:

1. Blurred vision
2. Eye pain and tenderness - severe
3. Red patches on the normally white part of the eye
4. Sensitivity to light - very painful
5. Tearing of the eye

A rare form of this disease causes no eye pain or redness.
Signs And Tests:

1. Eye examination
2. Physical examination and blood tests to look for or rule out underlying
   

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.
There is no preventive treatment for most cases.
Prevention:
Patients with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis may need careful monitoring by an ophthalmologist with experience treating ocular inflammatory diseases.