How to Diagnose Scleritis

Scleritis is any inflammatory disease of the white part of the eye (sclera). It is a common result of autoimmune disorders and is potentially blinding and painful. Scleritis may be classified into two anterior and posterior forms according to its specific location on the sclera.

Instructions

• 1

  Observe the initial presenting symptoms of scleritis. Patients usually seek treatment for pain, which is usually accompanied by redness of the sclera, vision problems, tearing and sensitivity to light.

• 2

  Gather a patient history for scleritis. Many diseases of the connective tissue or vascular system, in addition to miscellaneous disorders such as gout and rosacea can cause scleritis. Chemical injuries and trauma to the eye also are known to cause scleritis.

• 3

  Conduct a general examination of the patient. The pain is characteristically severe and radiates to the brow, forehead, jaw and sinuses, and makes those areas tender to the touch. A mucopurulent discharge from the affected eye usually is present and the redness will gradually increase over the next few days.

• 4

  Perform a detailed examination of the sclera with regular light. It may be a deep bluish-red and after attacks of inflammation may become thin and translucent. Any necrotizing process can cause the sclera to become black, brown or gray.

• 5

  Check the sclera with a slit lamp. The deep episcleral network will be the site of the most congestion. Do not use a topical application of phenylephrine to blanch this congestion. Red-free light is helpful in evaluating the extent of the vascular congestion.