Scleritis is a serious condition characterized by painful inflammation of the eye's sclera. Understanding this condition is crucial for preventing vision loss and ensuring optimal eye health.
Scleritis is a serious inflammation of the white part of the eye that can lead to pain and, in some cases, threaten vision. This condition involves swelling and redness due to inflammation deep in the scleral tissue. Our eye doctors consider understanding scleritis essential for protecting your vision and overall eye health.
Scleritis is an inflammatory condition affecting the sclera, the tough outer layer that protects the inner structures of the eye. Unlike other red-eye conditions, scleritis often involves severe deep eye pain that can radiate to the face, jaw, or even the head. It is usually related to an underlying systemic issue, with many patients also experiencing autoimmune or connective tissue conditions.
This inflammation is not only visible as redness but may also be accompanied by a violet-bluish hue and swelling, setting it apart from milder conditions like episcleritis. In many cases, the condition develops gradually, with pain becoming more noticeable during eye movement due to the connection between the extraocular muscles and the sclera. When left untreated, the tissue damage can extend to adjacent parts of the eye, increasing the risk of vision loss.
Scleritis can be broadly categorized based on its location and severity. The two main types are anterior and posterior scleritis, each with its own clinical features and treatment implications.
Each form of scleritis requires a precise evaluation by our eye doctors to formulate the best care plan and to determine whether further systemic workup is needed.
If you're experiencing symptoms of scleritis, consult with a top optometrist near you today for a thorough evaluation and tailored treatment.
Most often, scleritis is linked with autoimmune or connective tissue disorders. In fact, nearly half of the patients with scleritis have an underlying systemic disease. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, and Sjögren’s syndrome can trigger the inflammatory process in the sclera.
Other causes of scleritis include infections and trauma-related incidents, although these are much less common. The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues in autoimmune conditions, leading to the inflammation that characterizes scleritis. This misguided immune response can involve inflammatory mediators such as T-cells, macrophages, and even plasma cells that contribute to tissue damage and pain.
Moreover, when the scleral tissue becomes inflamed, it sometimes presents a challenge for treatment as the inflammation might continue to spread circumferentially unless controlled. This makes early diagnosis and management critical for preserving eye structure and function over time.
Knowing the risk factors can help in early detection and intervention. Scleritis is more common in women, particularly those in their fourth to sixth decades of life. Patients with a history of systemic autoimmune diseases are at a higher risk, and bilateral involvement of the eye is more often seen in these cases. Additionally, men with a history of ocular surgery or trauma, such as pterygium removal, may also be predisposed to developing an infectious type of scleritis.
Other risk factors include repeated eye surgeries and previous ocular procedures that might lead to defects in the conjunctiva. These predisposing elements can lower the eye’s natural defenses and pave the way for inflammatory or infectious processes that contribute to scleritis.
If you're experiencing symptoms of scleritis, consult with a top optometrist near you today for a thorough evaluation and tailored treatment.
Scleritis is a serious eye inflammation that can threaten vision. Learn the symptoms and treatments available to protect your eyes.
