Scleritis and episcleritis (inflamed white of the eye)

Overview

Episcleritis is usually mild and goes away on its own.

Scleritis causes deep, boring pain and can damage the eye; it's often linked to autoimmune disease.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Red eye

Less common

• Eye pain
• Light sensitivity

When to get medical care

Causes

Inflammation.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lupus

Possible complications

• Vision loss or blindness: Rare, with scleritis

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Eye exam:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Use cool compresses

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Treat underlying conditions

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an ophthalmologist (eye doctor and surgeon) or an optometrist.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• People with rheumatoid arthritis: Higher risk.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatment protects vision.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Scleritis and episcleritis (inflamed white of the eye)