Sclera inflammation

The sclera (SKLER-uh) is the white of the eye. The episclera (EP-pi-scler-uh) lies just beneath the conjunctiva (con-junk-TIE-vuh), the thin membrane that lines the inside of the eyelid and eyeball, and is adjacent to the white scleral coat of the eye. Both the sclera and episclera may become inflamed, especially as a result of rheumatoid arthritis and other auto-immune conditions. Inflammations of the sclera are called scleritis (skle-RIGHT-us) and episcleritis. They differ from conjuncitivits (kun-junk-tiv-EYE-tus), or pink eye, in that they're usually present as a localized area of inflammation. Scleritis is much more serious than pink eye and can result in a perforation of the eye, which may require surgery. It occurs more commonly in females, involves both eyes in most cases, and it may be chronic and recurring. Symptoms include redness and soreness of the eye, as well as pain, and the area of inflammation is tender to the touch. The underlying colored tissue may also protrude through the sclera, causing a bluish appearance in the eye. To treat sclera inflammation, any underlying cause must first be identified. Steroid eye drops can hasten recovery and provide relief from symptoms, and oral steroids may become necessary in some cases. Other treatments include nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory agents. A complete eye exam and medical history need to be taken so that serious disorders of the system can be identified or ruled out. Some cases of scleritis that are associated with very serious disease may continue to progress, even though measures are taken to treat it.