Description
Scleritis is an inflammation of the white part of the eye called the sclera. It is caused by another disease process 50% of the time. It can be caused by a variety of diseases such as auto-immune disorders (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), sarcoidosis and infections (tuberculosis). Scleritis most often occurs in individuals between thirty and sixty years old and can result in visual loss if left untreated.
Symptoms
Symptoms include pain, redness of the white part of the eye (sclera), tearing, and blurry vision.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical will be performed. A specific ophthalmologic exam will be done. Blood tests and imaging tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan or MRI may be performed to identify diseases associated with this disorder.
Tests:
Antinuclear antibody (ANA), Complete blood count (CBC), CT Scan, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Rheumatoid factor (RF), Tuberculosis (TB) test (PPD), Ultrasound, HLA typing
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Ophthalmology, Rheumatology, Family Practice
Workup:
A history and physical will be performed. A specific ophthalmologic exam will be done. Blood tests and imaging tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan or MRI may be performed to identify diseases associated with this disorder.
Tests:
Antinuclear antibody (ANA), Complete blood count (CBC), CT Scan, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Rheumatoid factor (RF), Tuberculosis (TB) test (PPD), Ultrasound, HLA typing
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Ophthalmology, Rheumatology, Family Practice
Treatment
Treatment is directed at the specific cause of scleritis. Corticosteroid eye drops and pills are used for treatment. In severe cases, surgery may be required to repair the injured portion of the eye.