Understanding Scleritis

The most distinctive symptom of scleritis is severe, deep eye pain that feels different from surface irritation. This pain often gets worse when you move your eyes or touch the area around them. Many patients describe it as a boring or aching sensation that can interfere with sleep and may radiate to the head or jaw.

Scleritis can affect your vision in several ways:

• Blurred vision that comes and goes
• Sensitivity to bright lights
• Seeing halos around lights
• Double vision in some cases
• Decreased vision if complications develop

The affected eye will look noticeably different from normal. The white part of your eye may appear red, purple, or blue in the inflamed areas. You might also notice swelling of the eyelids or the area around your eye. The redness may be localized or spread across a large part of the white of the eye.

Other signs that may accompany scleritis include:

• Excessive tearing or watery eyes
• Feeling like something is in your eye
• Headaches on the same side as the affected eye
• Nausea in severe cases

Severe inflammation can damage important structures inside your eye, leading to permanent vision problems. The longer scleritis goes untreated, the higher the risk of lasting vision loss. Some patients may develop blind spots or complete vision loss in the affected eye.

The inflammation from scleritis can spread to nearby eye structures:

• Corneal thinning that weakens the front of your eye
• Corneal perforation in severe cases
• Scarring that affects vision clarity
• Irregular corneal shape that distorts vision

In severe cases of necrotizing scleritis, the sclera can weaken and even perforate, causing significant damage to the eye. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment to save the eye and preserve vision.

Chronic inflammation can increase pressure inside your eye, leading to glaucoma. This condition damages the optic nerve and can cause gradual vision loss if not treated promptly.

Long-term inflammation or steroid treatment can accelerate cataract formation. Cataracts cause clouding of your eye's natural lens, making vision blurry and dim.

No, scleritis is not contagious. You cannot catch it from someone else or spread it to others. The condition is caused by inflammation within your own immune system, not by bacteria or viruses that can be transmitted.

The duration of scleritis varies greatly depending on the underlying cause and how quickly treatment begins. Some cases resolve within weeks with proper treatment, while others may become chronic conditions requiring ongoing management.

Yes, scleritis can affect one or both eyes, though it more commonly starts in one eye. If you have an autoimmune condition, you have a higher risk of developing scleritis in both eyes over time.

With prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment, most people with scleritis do not experience permanent vision loss. However, untreated or severe cases can lead to serious complications that may affect vision permanently.

During active inflammation, our ophthalmologists typically recommend avoiding contact lenses as they can worsen irritation and interfere with treatment. Once your condition is well-controlled, you may be able to resume wearing contacts with proper guidance.

Scleritis is much more severe than conjunctivitis or pink eye. While conjunctivitis causes redness and irritation of the thin membrane covering the eye, scleritis affects the deeper, white part of the eye, causing more pain and potential vision problems.

While no specific foods cause scleritis, maintaining an anti-inflammatory diet may help support your overall treatment. Focus on foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and avoid excessive processed foods that can promote inflammation.

While some mild cases of scleritis may improve with treatment, it typically requires medical intervention. Untreated scleritis can lead to long-term complications and should always be evaluated by an eye doctor.

Contact our office immediately or seek emergency care if you experience sudden vision loss, severe eye pain that worsens rapidly, signs of eye perforation, or any sudden changes in your symptoms that concern you.

Episcleritis is a milder condition that affects only the thin layer covering the sclera. It causes less severe pain and redness compared to scleritis and usually responds well to simple treatments like artificial tears or mild anti-inflammatory drops.

Unlike surface eye conditions, scleritis affects the deep layers of the eye wall. Topical drops cannot penetrate deeply enough to reach the inflamed scleral tissue, which is why oral medications are usually needed for effective treatment.

Stress can worsen autoimmune conditions that may trigger scleritis flare-ups. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, adequate sleep, and healthy lifestyle choices may help reduce the frequency and severity of episodes.

Follow-up frequency depends on the severity of your condition and response to treatment. During active inflammation, you may need weekly visits. Once controlled, appointments may be scheduled every few months to monitor for recurrence.

Scleritis is rare in children but can occur, especially in those with juvenile arthritis or other autoimmune conditions. When it does happen in children, it requires the same careful evaluation and treatment as in adults.

Most insurance plans cover medically necessary treatment for scleritis, including medications and follow-up care. Our office staff can help verify your coverage and work with your insurance company to ensure you receive needed treatment.