5 Things You Need To Know About Scleritis

The sclera is a firm casing that protects the more delicate structures inside your eye. It is often simply referred to as the white of the eye. Like other parts of your body, the sclera can become inflamed, leading to scleritis. Here's what you need to know about this painful eye condition.

What does scleritis feel like?

Scleritis is very painful. People with scleritis describe the pain as a deep ache and say that it keeps them up at night and makes them lose their appetites. Sensitivity to light and excessive tearing are also signs of scleritis. The entire white of your eye can be red and swollen, or the swelling can be confined to a small area.

What causes scleritis?

Scleritis is usually caused by an autoimmune disorder. Autoimmune disorders make your body's immune system turn against your own healthy tissues, rather than the things it should be fighting such as bacteria or viruses. Examples of these disorders are arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma.

In some cases, scleritis occurs in people who don't have autoimmune disorders. This can be caused by trauma to the eye or even by fungi, but sometimes, doctors can't figure out what caused the scleritis.

Is scleritis common?

No studies have been done to estimate the prevalence of scleritis, so no one knows exactly how many people are affected. The only data comes from institutions that treat the condition. For example, the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Hospital of Boston reported that 2.6% of their patients were receiving treatment for scleritis. Another institution, the Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institute, reported that 8.7% of their patients had scleritis. This suggests that scleritis is rare among the general population, but studies will need to be done to confirm this.

Can scleritis be treated?

Scleritis can be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs or with corticosteroids. If these methods don't work, immunosuppression is the next step. Immunosuppressant drugs stop your immune system from attacking your own tissue, which gives your eye a chance to heal. In severe cases, you may also need grafts to replace the damaged portions of your sclera.

Does scleritis cause blindness?

Scleritis is a very serious eye condition and can lead to blindness if it's not treated. Even people who receive treatment can lose some or all of their vision due to complications. About 14% of people with scleritis will lose most of their vision within the first year after their diagnosis, and 30% within three years.

Scleritis is very serious, and if you think you have it, you need to see your optometrist right away. Talk to experts like Ashworth Vision Clinic for more information.

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