Scleritis is painful inflammation (swelling) of the white part of the eye, called the sclera. The heavy, fibrous tissue of the sclera forms a protective outer layer to the eye and make up for 83% of the eye surface.
There are two main types of scleritis – posterior and anterior.
Anterior scleritis, the most common type, affects the frontal part of the sclera. There are three types of anterior scleritis:
- Diffuse scleritis – the most common and most treatable type. This type is characterized with redness and inflammation of the whole or parts of the frontal part of the sclera.
- Nodular scleritis – characterized by the appearance of nodules
- Necrotizing scleritis is the heaviest form of anterior scleritis. It is able to destroy the tissues of the sclera and can rarely cause loss of the eye or eyes. This type is usually characterized with pain.
Posterior scleritis, the rarer form, affects the back part of the eye and is usually not connected to a systemic disease. Posterior scleritis can develop by itself or together with anterior scleritis. People with this type of scleritis can experience pain or sensitivity. This form can cause complications causing retinal detachment or angle-closure glaucoma.
Scleritis can also be connected to:
- Different forms of inflammatory arthritis;
- Some diseases of the connective tissue;
- Inflammatory disease of the bowels;
- Sjorgen’s syndrome;
- Granulomatosis of Wegener;
- Sclerodermy.
Scleritis can also be caused by trauma to the eye, or more rarely, be caused by fungal infections or parasites.
Symptoms can include strong pain and sensitivity of the eye.
Scleritis is a serious condition which can cause vision loss. Treatment depends on the type of scleritis. In most cases, perioral corticosteroids and non-steroid anti-inflammatory medications can be used to decrease pain and inflammation. Antibiotics can also be prescribed when deemed necessary.
In more serious cases, surgery can be the best and only method to strengthen the tissues of the sclera and prevent future vision loss.