Scleritis

Question 1

what is the sclera

Answer 1

the white part of the eyeball

Question 2

what is scleritis

Answer 2

inflammation of the sclera

Question 3

what is a potential risk of scleritis

Answer 3

blindness

Question 4

what causes scleritis

Answer 4

autoimmune basis

Question 5

what type of conditions is scleritis associated with

Answer 5

connective tissue disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus

Question 6

what are the presenting symptoms of scleritis

Answer 6

deep boring pain- wakes patient up at night

severe red eye

excessive tearing, or lacrimation

decreased vision
blurry vision
sensitivity to light, or photophobia

Question 7

how can you distinguish scleritis from episcleritis

Answer 7

inflammation affects the superficial episcleral as well as the deep scleral vessels, topical vasoconstrictors such as 10% phenylephrine do not cause blanching of the eye and this can be used to help distinguish episcleritis from scleritis

Question 8

management

Answer 8

NSAIDs, corticosteroids, immunosuppresant therapy and antibiotics