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Scleritis is an inflammation of the sclera (the white outer wall of the eye).
Alternative NamesInflammation - sclera
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsInflammation of the sclera is usually associated with infections, chemical injuries, or autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Sometimes the cause is unknown.
Scleritis occurs most often in people between the ages of 30 and 60 and is rare in children.
Symptoms- Blurred vision
- Eye pain - severe
- Red patches on the normally white part of the eye
- Sensitivity to light - very painful
- Tearing of the eye
- Eye examination
- Physical examination and blood tests to look for or rule out underlying causes
Corticosteroid eye drops help reduce the inflammation. Sometimes corticosteroids pills are taken by mouth. Newer, nonsteroid anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs may be used in some cases.
If scleritis is caused by an underlying disease, treatment of that disease may be necessary.
Expectations (prognosis)The condition may recur but usually responds to treatment. Scleritis must be distinguished from other forms of inflammation that are less severe, such as episcleritis.
The underlying disorder associated with scleritis may be serious, and the outcome depends upon the specific disorder.
Complications- Scleritis returns
- Side effects of long-term corticosteroid therapy
- Untreated, perforation of the eyeball may occur, leading to vision loss
Call for an appointment with your health care provider or ophthalmologist if you have symptoms of scleritis.
PreventionThere is no preventive treatment for most cases.
Patients with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid Arthritis may need careful monitoring by an ophthalmologist with experience treating ocular inflammatory diseases.
ReferencesGalor A, Thorne JE. Scleritis and peripheral ulcerative keratitis. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2007 Nov;33(4):835-54, vii. Review.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoScleritis is an inflammation of the sclera (the white outer wall of the eye).
Alternative NamesInflammation - sclera
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsInflammation of the sclera is usually associated with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Sometimes the cause is unknown.
Scleritis occurs most often in people between the ages of 30 and 60 and is rare in children.
Symptoms- Blurred vision
- Eye pain and tenderness - severe
- Red patches on the normally white part of the eye
- Sensitivity to light - very painful
- Tearing of the eye
A rare form of this disease causes no eye pain or redness.
Signs and tests- Eye examination
- Physical examination and blood tests to look for or rule out underlying causes
Corticosteroid eye drops help reduce the inflammation. Sometimes corticosteroids pills are taken by mouth. Newer, nonsteroid anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs may be used in some cases.
If scleritis is caused by an underlying disease, treatment of that disease may be necessary.
Expectations (prognosis)The condition may recur but usually responds to treatment. Scleritis must be distinguished from other forms of inflammation that are less severe, such as episcleritis.
The underlying disorder associated with scleritis may be serious, and may be undiagnosed at the time of the first episode. The outcome depends upon the specific disorder.
Complications- Scleritis returns
- Side effects of long-term corticosteroid therapy
- Untreated, perforation of the eyeball may occur, leading to vision loss
Call for an appointment with your health care provider or ophthalmologist if you have symptoms of scleritis.
PreventionThere is no preventive treatment for most cases.
Patients with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis may need careful monitoring by an ophthalmologist with experience treating ocular inflammatory diseases.
ReferencesWatson P. Diseases of the sclera and episclera. In: Tasman W, Jaeger EA, eds. Duane's Ophthalmology. 15th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2009:chap 23.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 07/28/2010
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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What is the medical term meaning Inflammation of the sclera?
Scleritis means inflammation of the sclera.ScleritisScleritis (scler means white of eye and -itis for inflammation)
What cause the sclera turn brown?
There are 3 main colours that your sclera can go- red/blue/yellow. A blue sclera is usually due to a condition known as osteogenesis imperfecta. This is a genetic bone disorder which results in a deficiency in the connective tissue throughout the body. The sclera contains connective tissue. The reason that the sclera appears blue is that the sclera is very thin in this condition so you can see the underlying choroid. A yellow sclera occurs with age. This is basically due to fatty deposits in the sclera causing a yellow appearance. Red sclera means blood. This can be a result of either episcleritis or scleritis. Episcleritis is a sudden, painless redness of the eye and is easily treated. Scleritis is a gradual onset of a painful, red eye and it is considered to be of medical urgency as if left untreated, it can lead to blindness.
What is the medical term meaning inflammation of the vascular layer of the eye?
The medical term for inflammation of the vascular layer of the eye is uveitis. It can cause eye redness, pain, and sensitivity to light. Prompt treatment is necessary to prevent complications.
What are some nine letter words with 1st letter S and 6th letter I and 8th letter I and 9th letter S?
According to SOWPODS (the combination of Scrabble dictionaries used around the world) there are 5 words with the pattern S----I-IS. That is, nine letter words with 1st letter S and 6th letter I and 8th letter I and 9th letter S. In alphabetical order, they are: scleritis sinusitis splenitis strumitis synovitis
What are some nine letter words with 1st letter S and 2nd letter C and 3rd letter L?
According to SOWPODS (the combination of Scrabble dictionaries used around the world) there are 19 words with the pattern SCL------. That is, nine letter words with 1st letter S and 2nd letter C and 3rd letter L. In alphabetical order, they are: sclaffers sclaffing sclaunder sclereide sclereids scleremas sclerites scleritic scleritis scleromas sclerosal sclerosed scleroses sclerosis sclerotal sclerotia sclerotic sclerotin sclimming
What are some nine letter words with 1st letter S and 3rd letter L and 8th letter I?
According to SOWPODS (the combination of Scrabble dictionaries used around the world) there are 23 words with the pattern S-L----I-. That is, nine letter words with 1st letter S and 3rd letter L and 8th letter I. In alphabetical order, they are: salicylic salmonoid saluretic scleritic scleritis sclerosis sclerotia sclerotic sclerotin selenitic selenosis silicosis silicotic solfeggio soloistic splenetic splenitis sulphatic sulphitic sulphonic sulphuric syllepsis sylleptic
How many eyes diseases are there?
Lots of them - Here are the names of them * Conjunctivitis (also known as pinkeye) * Stye * Retinitis pigmentosa * Pterygium * Iritis * Uveitis * Cyclitis * Chalazion * Hypophyon * Trachoma * Opthalmia or opthalmitis * Endopthalmitis * Panopthalmitis * Scleritis * Choroiditis * Coat's disease * Myopia (short-sight) * Hypermetropia (long-sight) * Astigmatism * Cataract * Macular degeneration * Tunnel vision * Optic neuritis * Blepharitis * Bupthalmos * Exopthalmos (bulging eyes) * Choroidal nevus * Melanoma, choroidal * Melanoma, iris * Retinoblastoma * Medulloepithelioma (also called diktyoma)
How does rheumatoid arthritis affect the eyes?
Vision can can be effected as a result of a number of problems associated with rheumatoid arthritis.Scleritis, a chronic inflammation of the blood vessels in the whites of the eyes, may occur in aproximately 1 percent of people with RA. Symptoms include eye pain and redness. If it goes untreated, scleritis may become severe, leading to a deterioration of the cornea.Rheumatoid Arthritis may lead to Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, which is dryness of the eyes caused by decreased tear production. as well as Episcleritis or scleritis, this is an inflammation of the connective tissue of the eye that gives it a red eye appearance like conjunctivitis, but different as there is no wetness or tearing.These problems can be painful and lead to increased light sensitivity, redness, and even vision loss.The eyes may often become dry and/or inflamed as a result of RA. This condition is known as Sjögren syndrome and its severity depends on which part of the eye is affected. this along with many other eye problems may be the result of rheumatoid arthritis and often require the attention of an eye specialist.
Episcleritis?
DefinitionEpiscleritis is irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the episclera, a thin layer of tissue covering the sclera of the eye.Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe sclera is made up of tissue fibers that form the strong white wall of the eye. It is covered by the episclera, a thin layer of tissue that contains many blood vessels that feed the sclera.Episcleritis is inflammation of the episclera that occurs without an infection. It is a common condition that is usually mild and rarely progresses to scleritis.The cause is usually unknown, but it may occur with certain diseases, such as:Herpes zosterRheumatoid arthritisSjogren syndromeSyphilisTuberculosisSymptomsA pink or purple color to the normally white part of the eyeEye painEye tendernessSensitivity to lightTearing of the eyeSigns and testsAn eye examination can usually diagnose the disorder. No special tests are usually necessary.TreatmentThe condition usually disappears without treatment in 1 - 2 weeks. Treatment with corticosteroid eye drops may relieve the symptoms faster.Expectations (prognosis)Episcleritis usually improves without treatment. Treatment may shorten its duration.ComplicationsRarely, scleritis may developThe condition may returnCalling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you have symptoms of episcleritis that last for more than 2 weeks. Get checked again if your pain worsens or you lose vision.ReferencesGoldstein DA, Tessler HH. Episcleritis, scleritis, and other scleral disorders. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, Augsburger JJ, Azar DT. Ophthalmology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby; 2004:chap 64.O'Day DM, Horn JD. The eye and rheumatic disease. In: Harris ED, Budd RC, Genovese MC, Firestein GS, Sargent JS. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2005:chap 44.
What damages can rheumatoid arthritis cause?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease and is best recognized for the damage it does to the joints of the body By its destruction of cartilage and the deformation of the joints and areas surrounding them. However Ra inflammation can effect many other part in the bodyeppidermuslumps of tissue may develop known as rheumatoid nodules, usually under the skin, particularly on the elbows, forearms, heels, or fingers. The nodules, which may develop gradually or appear suddenly, can be an indication of more severe disease activity. Rheumatoid nodules can also occur in other areas of the body, such as the lungs and heart. RA-related inflammation of the blood vessels, or vasculitis, can cause changes to the skin and surrounding tissue that can appear as ulcers.Other types of rashes or skin changes related to RA or medications may be seen in patients. It's important to alert your doctor regarding any skin rash or sores.Eye ComplicationsRheumatoid arthritis can affect the eyes in several ways. Inflammation of the episclera, a thin membrane that covers the sclera, or white of the eye, is a common complication of RA. It is usually mild, but the eye can become red and painful. Scleritis, inflammation of the white of the eye, is more serious and can lead to vision loss. Having rheumatoid arthritis also puts you at risk of Sjogren's syndrome, a condition in which the immune system attacks the lacrimal glands, which produce tears. This can cause your eyes to feel gritty and dry. If not treated, dryness can lead to infection and scarring of the conjunctiva (the membrane that covers the eye) and cornea. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, ask your doctor about the need for regular eye exams.Top Picks
How does rheumatoid arthritis effect heart lungs and eyes?
Eye ComplicationsRheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation of the episclera, a thin membrane that covers the sclera, or white of the eye, It is usually mild, but the eye can become red and painful. Scleritis, which is inflammation of the white of the eye, is more serious and can lead to loss of vision.Sjogren's syndrome, is another condition in which the immune system attacks the lacrimal glands, which produce tears. This causes eyes to feel gritty and dry. If left untreated, this dryness can lead to infection and scarring of the conjunctiva (the membrane that covers the eye) and cornea. RA patients should avoid these risks by having regular eye exams.Heart risks.RA can cause the collection of fluid between the pericardium and the heart itself (called a pericardial effusion), however not all will show clinical symptoms off it. Episodes of pericarditis (inflammation of the membrane that surrounds the heart) often develop during flares, or periods of heightened disease activity.recurring pericarditis can lead to thickening and tightening of the membrane, and this may interfere with the heart's ability to function k properly. Lesions like rheumatoid nodules may develop on the heart and affecting its function. Inflammation of the heart muscle itself (myocarditis) is also a rare complication.Drugs used for RA treatment can also weaken the heart and other muscles. People with RA have a higher risk of heart attack that is about the same as for people with type 2 diabetes. Having RA also increases risk of stroke.lung complicationsRheumatoid nodules can form in the lungs.These are usually harmless,however they can conditions such as a collapsed lung, the coughing up of up blood, infection, or pleural effusion -- the accumulation of fluid between the lining of the lung and the chest cavity. Interstitial lung diseases and pulmonary hypertension can also develop as complications of RA.RA treatments can affect the lungs, as well. For example, one of the most commonly used RA treatments, methotrexate, can potentially cause lung problems, characterized by shortness of breath, cough, and fever. Symptoms tend to improve when methotrexate is stopped.
What are some nine letter words with 1st letter S and 4th letter E and 9th letter S?
According to SOWPODS (the combination of Scrabble dictionaries used around the world) there are 204 words with the pattern S--E----S. That is, nine letter words with 1st letter S and 4th letter E and 9th letter S. In alphabetical order, they are: sagenites saleratus salerings salerooms saleyards satedness savegards schedules schellums schemings sclereids scleremas sclerites scleritis scleromas scleroses sclerosis screamers screeches screeders screeners screenies screevers screwings screwtops sebestens seceshers sederunts selectees selectors selenates selenides selenious selenites seleniums selenoses selenosis semesters serenades serenatas serenates setenants seventies sewellels sewerages sewerings sewerless sheepcots sheepdogs sheerlegs sheerness sheetings sheetless shielders shielings shlemiels shleppers shoebills shoeboxes shoehorns shoelaces shoepacks shoetrees shredders shredless shrewdies shweshwes sidebands sidebones sideburns sidedness sidedress sidehills sidekicks sidelines sidelocks sidenotes sidepaths siderates siderites sideroads sideroses siderosis sideshows sideslips sidespins sidesteps sidewalks sidewalls sidewards silencers sinecures sinewless sirenians sirenises sirenizes skeechans skeesicks sleekings sleekness sleepings sleepless sleepouts sleeveens sleevings sloetrees sneerings sneeshans sneeshins sneezings soberises soberizes soberness solecises solecisms solecists solecizes solemness solenoids somersets sometimes somewhats soreheads spaetzles spaewives speedings speedless speedways speerings sphenoids spheroids spherules splendors splenitis spleniums spreaders spreathes spreethes squeakers squealers squeegees squeezers squeggers squelches steelbows steelings steenboks steenbras steenings steepness steerages steerings steevings streakers streamers streekers streights streignes strengths strenuous stressors stretches streusels strewages strewings subechoes subepochs suberates subereous suberises suberizes superadds superates superbugs supercars supercops supercows superegos superfans superguns superhets superhits superiors superjets superlies superloos supermoms superplus superpros suzerains sweepings sweetings sweetness sweetpeas sweetsops synechias synecious synectics synereses syneresis synergias synergids synergies synesises
