The sclera is the white portion of the eye. Scleritis is an inflammation of this white portion of the eye. This condition can be extremely destructive disease leading to vision loss. Occasionally, scleritis can be severe enough to cause pain and actual perforation of the globe of the eye. Once the globe is perforated, the possibilities for loss of the eye as well as the other eye are much greater.
As a general rule, scleritis is not a primary inflammation or infection but is secondary to some systemic disorder already present. Patients who suffer with Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis and other connective tissue disorders are more susceptible to scleritis than others. Scleritis may tend to be chronic in nature. It is not uncommon to see episodes of inflammation and then clearing. Whenever you feel as though you may be experiencing another episode of scleritis or that the inflammation present is increasing rather than decreasing in its intensity, contact our office as soon as possible for additional instructions regarding care.
