Scleritis

Painful inflammation of the white outer wall of the eye

Overview

Scleritis is inflammation of the sclera, the tough white outer coat of the eye. It causes deep, boring eye pain that can radiate to the face and wake people at night, along with redness that may have a violet hue. A substantial proportion of cases are associated with a systemic autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or granulomatosis with polyangiitis. It differs from episcleritis, a milder and common inflammation of the thin tissue overlying the sclera that is usually not painful and often resolves on its own. Severe scleritis can thin the sclera and threaten the eye.