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Scleritis Updated 3/2011

Birgit N. Khandalavala, MD
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BASICS

  • Description
  • Epidemiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Etiology
  • Associated Conditions

DIAGNOSIS

  • Signs and Symptoms
  • Tests
  • Differential Diagnosis

TREATMENT

  • Medication (Drugs)
  • Additional Treatment
  • Surgery

Ongoing Care

  • Follow-Up Recommendations
  • Diet
  • Prognosis
  • Complications
The following is an excerpt....
BASICS
Description
  • Inflammation of the sclera, part of the eye's outer coat
  • System(s) affected: Ocular
Epidemiology
  • Predominant age: Most frequently occurs in 4th and 6th decades; mean age for all types of scleritis is 52 years
  • Predominant sex: Female > Male (1.6:1)
Incidence

In 1 study, 0.08% of new patients presenting to an ophthalmology department were diagnosed with scleritis. 94% of patients have anterior scleritis; the remaining 6% have posterior.

Prevalence

Uncommon in US

Risk Factors

Individuals with autoimmune disorders are most at risk.

Etiology
  • ~50% of cases of scleritis are associated with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. In 15% of cases, scleritis is the presenting manifestation of a systemic disorder, appearing 1 or more ...

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See Also
Images >
1.3. A: Blepharitis is associated with crusting of the eyelashes, thickening of the eyelids, telangiectatic vessels along the lid margins, and plugging of the meibomian glands. Credit: From Tasman W, Jaeger E. The Wills Eye Hospital Atlas of Clinical Ophthalmology, 2e. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2001
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