Highlighter is on. Drag to highlight text. Click a highlight to remove it.
ALL / Ophthalmology

Scleritis

Scleritis

Scleritis describes full-thickness inflammation of the sclera. It generally has a non-infective cause and typically causes a red, painful eye.

Risk factors
  • rheumatoid arthritis: the most commonly associated condition
  • systemic lupus erythematosus
  • sarcoidosis
  • granulomatosis with polyangiitis

Features
  • 'red eye'
+ however, there may be a violet-bluish hue with scleral oedema and dilatation
  • classically painful (in comparison to episcleritis), but sometimes only mild pain/discomfort is present
  • watering and photophobia are common
  • gradual decrease in vision

Image showing scleritis in a patient with underlying rheumatoid arthritis

Management
  • same-day assessment by an ophthalmologist
  • oral NSAIDs are typically used first-line
  • oral glucocorticoids may be used for more severe presentations
  • immunosuppressive drugs for resistant cases (and also to treat any underlying associated diseases)
+PassMedicine Notes

Scleritis describes full-thickness inflammation of the sclera. It generally has a non-infective cause and typically causes a red, painful eye.

Risk factors
  • rheumatoid arthritis: the most commonly associated condition
  • systemic lupus erythematosus
  • sarcoidosis
  • granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Features
  • 'red eye'
+ however, there may be a violet-bluish hue with scleral oedema and dilatation
  • classically painful (in comparison to episcleritis), but sometimes only mild pain/discomfort is present
  • watering and photophobia are common
  • gradual decrease in vision
Management
  • same-day assessment by an ophthalmologist
  • oral NSAIDs are typically used first-line
  • oral glucocorticoids may be used for more severe presentations
  • immunosuppressive drugs for resistant cases (and also to treat any underlying associated diseases)


Saved ✓

MEDIA