Inflammation of the sclera, the tough white
outer coat of the eyeball.
Classic scleritis affects the sclera itself and is not a benign
disease. It may impair vision. The principal symptom is severe
general head pain. Scleritis occurs in association with systemic
collagen diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Wegener's
granulomatosis and, less often, lupus. The cause is unknown but when
it occurs in the setting of one of these autoimmune diseases, the
scleritis is generally thought to be due to the immune system
attacking the sclera. Treatment is difficult. It may include
administration of anti-inflammatory and cortisone-related medications
either by mouth, intravenously, or even injected into the eye.
The term scleritis also includes episcleritis, inflammation of the
episclera, a thin membrane that covers the sclera. Episcleritis is
typically benign, easily treated and usually soon resolved.
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