Scleritis: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Treatment

The pain from scleritis often feels like a deep, boring ache that gets worse when you move your eyes. This pain often spreads to your forehead, jaw, or temple. Many patients say the pain is severe enough to wake them up at night. However, some people with posterior scleritis may have milder pain or discomfort.

Scleritis often produces a dark red or purple color on the white part of your eye. This is different from the bright red seen in pink eye or minor irritation. You might also see raised bumps or areas that look different from normal. Note that posterior scleritis may show less obvious redness on the surface.

Scleritis can cause several types of vision problems:

• Blurry or cloudy vision that does not improve with blinking
• Increased sensitivity to light that makes it hard to go outside
• Dark spots or floaters that move across your vision
• Loss of side vision in severe cases

Your eye may water more than usual or feel tender when you touch your eyelid. The eye might look swollen or feel like something is stuck in it. Some people notice their vision becomes distorted or colors look different.

Sometimes scleritis causes symptoms in other parts of your body. You might have joint pain, skin rashes, or fever. These symptoms help eye doctors determine if you have an underlying condition that needs treatment.

If you have intense eye pain that gets worse quickly, call your eye doctor right away. Pain that keeps you awake at night or makes it hard to function during the day needs immediate treatment. Do not wait to see if the pain gets better on its own.

Any sudden changes in your vision require emergency care:

• Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
• New dark areas or curtains across your vision
• Severe light sensitivity that makes it impossible to open your eyes
• Double vision or seeing halos around lights

If you injure your eye and develop severe pain with redness, you may have injury-related scleritis. Even minor injuries can sometimes trigger serious inflammation. Get medical care right away if pain and redness develop after any eye injury.

Watch for signs that scleritis is causing other problems in your eye. These include sudden increases in eye pressure, changes in your pupil size, or discharge from your eye that suggests infection. These signs need urgent evaluation to prevent permanent damage.

No, scleritis is not contagious. You cannot catch it from someone else or spread it to family members. Most cases are caused by your own immune system or other internal factors rather than infections that spread between people.

The duration varies depending on the type and cause of scleritis. Mild cases might get better in a few weeks with treatment, while severe cases can last months. Some people have recurring episodes that require long-term management with eye doctors.

Yes, untreated scleritis can lead to vision loss or blindness. This is why prompt treatment is so important. With proper care from eye doctors, most patients maintain good vision and avoid serious complications.

Most patients with scleritis do not need surgery. Doctors typically control the condition with medications. Surgery is only needed if the eye wall becomes severely damaged or develops holes that threaten your eye.

Scleritis is very rare in children but can occur, especially in those with juvenile arthritis or other specific immune system conditions. Children with scleritis need specialized care and close monitoring to protect their developing vision.

Scleritis causes much more severe pain and often has a darker red or purple color compared to the bright red of pink eye. Scleritis also affects deeper layers of the eye and can cause vision problems, while pink eye usually only affects the surface.

Most patients start with anti-inflammatory medications, and many need steroids for severe cases. Some people require immune system medications for long-term control. Your treatment plan depends on your specific type of scleritis and overall health.

Contact lenses should be avoided during active inflammation to reduce discomfort and infection risk. You can only consider wearing them after your eye has completely healed. Your eye care team will tell you when it is safe to resume contact lens use.

Severe pain, vision loss, or certain types of scleritis need urgent evaluation because delayed care increases complication risks. Early treatment preserves vision and reduces the need for stronger medications later.

Unlike minor eye irritation, scleritis rarely gets better without treatment and usually needs prescription medications to prevent damage. Over-the-counter treatments are usually not strong enough for active scleritis.

Scleritis can affect one or both eyes, and having it in both eyes is more likely with immune system conditions. Episodes may involve the same eye or spread to the other eye, especially if underlying diseases are active.

Steroids are effective but can have side effects like high eye pressure, cataracts, mood changes, and blood sugar problems. Doctors use the lowest effective dose and monitor you carefully. Steroid-sparing medications help reduce the need for long-term steroids.

Follow-up frequency depends on your type of scleritis and treatment response. During active inflammation, you may need weekly visits. Once controlled, appointments might be every few months. Your doctor will create a schedule based on your specific needs.

Stress can potentially trigger flare-ups of autoimmune conditions that cause scleritis. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and good sleep habits may help reduce episodes. However, stress management should not replace medical treatment.

There are no specific foods to avoid with scleritis. However, eating an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce overall inflammation. Avoid excessive alcohol, which can interfere with some medications.

Yes, scleritis can develop in your other eye, especially if you have an underlying autoimmune condition. This is why regular monitoring of both eyes is important, even if only one eye was initially affected.

Signs that treatment is working include reduced pain, less redness, improved vision, and decreased light sensitivity. Your doctor will also check for signs of healing during exams. Never stop treatment just because you feel better without consulting your doctor first.

Missing doses can lead to flare-ups and potentially serious complications. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. Never double up on doses. Call your doctor if you frequently forget medications.