Scleritis

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Scleritis
Classification & external resources

ICD-10	H15.0
ICD-9	379.0
DiseasesDB	11898
MedlinePlus	001003 scleritis. 001019 episcleritis
eMedicine	emerg/521  oph/642

Scleritis is a serious inflammatory disease that affects the white outer coating of the eye, known as the sclera. The disease is often contracted through association with other diseases of the body, such as Wegener's granulomatosis or rheumatoid arthritis; it can also be attained through disorders of menstruation. For this reason, scleritis occurs frequently among young women. There are three types of scleritis: diffuse scleritis (the most common), nodular scleritis, and necrotizing scleritis (the most severe).

The term "Episcleritis" refers to inflammation of the episclera.

Contents 1 Signs and symptoms 2 Diagnosis 3 Treatment 4 External links

[edit] Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of the disease include:

• Redness of the sclera and conjunctiva, sometimes changing to a purple hue
• Severe ocular pain (not present in episcleritis)
• Increased light sensitivity and tearing
• Loss of vision

[edit] Diagnosis

Scleritis can be detected through visual acuity testing, as well as through CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasonographies.

[edit] Treatment

In very severe cases of necrotizing scleritis, eye surgery must be performed to repair damaged corneal tissue in the eye and preserve the patient's vision. For less severe cases, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, are prescribed for pain relief. Scleritis itself is treated with an oral medication containing corticosteroids and an eye solution. In some cases, antibiotics are prescribed. Simply using eye drops will not treat scleritis. If not treated, scleritis can cause blindness.

[edit] External links

• Scleritis article at StLukesEye.com
• Scleritis article at EyeMDLink.com