Scleritis

Question 1

What is scleritis?

Answer 1

inflammation of the sclera

Question 2

What is the sclera?

Answer 2

the outer layer of the connective tissue that surrounds most of the eye (excluding the cornea), forming the white of the eye

Question 3

Give two bacteria that can cause scleritis?

Answer 3

1) Pseudomonas
2) Staphylococcus aureus

Question 4

What manifestation of scleritis can lead to perforation of the sclera?

Answer 4

necrotising scleritis

Question 5

Give two systemic conditions associated with scleritis:

Answer 5

1) rheumatoid arthritis
2) vasculitis

Question 6

What type of vasculitis is particularly associated with scleritis?

Answer 6

granulomatosis with polyangiitis

Question 7

Does scleritis have a gradual or sudden onset?

Answer 7

gradual

Question 8

Give 8 presentations associated with scleritis:

Answer 8

1) red, inflamed sclera
2) congested vessels
3) severe “boring” pain
4) pain with eye movement
5) photophobia
6) epiphoria
7) reduced visual acuity
8) tenderness to palpation of the eye

Question 9

What is meant by a “boring” pain?

Answer 9

feels like the eye is being pierced with a long, slender twisting device (boring down inside the eye)

Question 10

What is epiphora?

Answer 10

excessive tearing

Question 11

Give 3 medication classes that can provide symptomatic relief to scleritis:

Answer 11

1) NSAIDs
2) steroids
3) immunosuppressants (for systemic conditions)

Question 12

Does scleritis require a routine or urgent ophthalmologist referral?

Answer 12

urgent