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 General Eye Care

Scleritis

Scleritis

Eye
Eye

Definition:

Scleritis is an inflammation of the sclera (the white outer wall of the eye).

Alternative Names:
Inflammation - sclera
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Inflammation 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:
Signs and tests:
  • Eye examination
  • Physical examination and blood tests to search for or to rule out underlying causes

Review Date: 10/20/2006
Reviewed By: Manju Subramanian, MD, Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, Boston University Eye Associates, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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