Posted on April 2, 2009 in Latest News
What is Scleritis?
Scleritis is the inflammation of the sclera, conjunctiva and episclera. Most often, scleritis is associated with an underlying disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or any other infection or injury. It can generally occur in people aged 30-60 years. If left untreated, scleritis can cause ocular damage.
What Causes Scleritis?
Scleritis can cause because of rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, Wegener’s granulomatosis, polychondritis, corneal abrasion, corneal ulcer, etc. It can also cause due to bacterial, viral or chlamydial infection.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Scleritis?
Signs and symptoms of scleritis may include: blurry vision, moderate to severe eye pain and tenderness, puffiness and redness of sclera and conjunctiva, photosensitivity, radiating pain from the eyes towards the jaws or temple, lacrimation, etc.
How is Scleritis Diagnosed?
Scleritis is diagnosed clinically by slit-lamp examination. CT scan, MRI or ultrasound can help in the diagnosis of posterior scleritis. Physician may also prescribe blood tests.
What are the Treatments of Scleritis?
- In severe cases, surgery can help in repairing corneal tissue damage, thereby preserving the vision.
- For less severe cases, administration of nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs may give relief from pain. Sometimes, corticosteroid eye drops can help in checking inflammation of sclera.
- In some cases, systemic immunosuppression therapy along with medications can also treat scleritis.
- If the possible cause of the disease is infection then the treatment may include antibiotics.
- If an underlying disease is responsible for scleritis then treatment of that disease can be necessary.
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