EYE-REVISE

• Scleritis is inflammation of the sclera, the white fibrous outer coat of the eye

• very painful, red eye

• 3 types of causes: 

  • infection ​

    • varicella zoster, acathamoeba, bacteria​

  • systemic disease - 25%

    • most commonly rheumatoid arthritis​

  • idiopathic - commonest cause

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• Examination findings

  • red sclera - diffuse (throughout sclera) or localised to one or several areas​

  • visual acuity can be unaffected

  • dark blue / black appearance of sclera due to thinning of sclera and underlying tissue becoming visible

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• Anterior scleritis

  • commonest form​

  • 3 types

    • diffuse​

    • nodular

    • necrotising​​

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• Treatment

  • mild - oral NSAIDs​

  • topical steroid drops

  • severe - systemic steroid therapy