Canadian Medical Guide > Diseases > Eye Diseases > Scleral Diseases > Scleritis Terms and Definitions

Scleritis

Medical Definition:	Refers to any inflammation of the sclera including episcleritis, a benign condition affecting only the episclera, which is generally short-lived and easily treated. Classic scleritis, on the other hand, affects deeper tissue and is characterized by higher rates of visual acuity loss and even mortality, particularly in necrotizing form. Its characteristic symptom is severe and general head pain. Scleritis has also been associated with systemic collagen disease. Etiology is unknown but is thought to involve a local immune response. Treatment is difficult and includes administration of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents such as corticosteroids. Inflammation of the sclera may also be secondary to inflammation of adjacent tissues, such as the conjunctiva.
Guide Notes:	inflamm of sclera; note X ref EPISCLERITIS
Also Called:	Necrotizing Scleritis,Episcleritis
Previously Indexed:	Inflammation (1966-1988),Sclera (1966-1988)

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