Treatment:

Corticosteroid eye drops help reduce the inflammation. Sometimes corticosteroids pills are taken by mouth. Newer, nonsteroid anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs may be used in some cases.

If scleritis is caused by an underlying disease, treatment of that disease may be necessary.

Expectations (prognosis):

The condition may recur but usually responds to treatment. Scleritis must be distinguished from other forms of inflammation that are less severe, such as episcleritis.

The underlying disorder associated with scleritis may be serious, and may be undiagnosed at the time of the first episode. The outcome depends upon the specific disorder.

Complications:

• Scleritis returns
• Side effects of long-term corticosteroid therapy
• Untreated, perforation of the eyeball may occur, leading to vision loss

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider or ophthalmologist if you have symptoms of scleritis.