Inflammatory changes in the sclera are called scleritis (lat. Scleritis). If only the surface part of the sclera is affected, we are talking about episcleritis, and if its deeper parts are also inflamed, then it is true scleritis.
The inflamed area can be located on the front or back of the sclera. In some forms of scleritis, when necrosis (death) of the sclera occurs, an inflammatory reaction of the underlying structures also occurs, which significantly worsens the prognosis. The disease is usually associated with autoimmune and connective tissue diseases, and bacteria and other microorganisms play only a minor role.
- Symptoms
The patient feels slight discomfort in the eye, increased lacrimation, burning and occasionally pain, which can sometimes be severe. The inflamed part of the sclera is red due to dilated blood vessels.
- Establishing a diagnosis
In order to make a diagnosis of the disease, an examination in a specialist ophthalmology clinic is sufficient. Finding the cause of episcleritis or scleritis is much more difficult and requires a large number of laboratory tests.
- Treatment
Treatment of more severe forms is carried out with high doses of anti-inflammatory drugs, while milder and superficial forms are treated with corticosteroids (a type of anti-inflammatory drug) in the form of eye drops and ointments. Antibiotic therapy is given as protection, and as basic therapy for bacterial processes.
Literature:
M.Sc. sc. Pavan Dr. Joško, “Eye Diseases”, Zagreb 2003.
