Inflammatory eye diseases include scleritis and uveitis; both conditions are considered medical emergencies. Scleritis is an inflammation of the sclera, the white portion of the outer eye. Uveitis is inflammation of the structures of the middle layer of the eye, including the iris, or colored portion of the eye; ciliary body, which houses the muscles to contract the pupil; and the choroid, which contains the blood vessels.
Cause
Scleritis and uveitis are caused typically by autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, but scleritis is also caused by infections or chemical injuries, according to University Maryland Medical Center and University of Illinois at Chicago.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of scleritis and uveitis are similar and include watery eyes, severe eye pain, intolerance to light and blurred vision, according to the University Maryland Medical Center and the University of Illinois at Chicago. Scleritis also presents with red patches on the white portion of the eye and uveitis causes floaters--particles that float within the fluid of the eye.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of both scleritis and uveitis involve blood work to assess for rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and system lupus erythematosus, since these two conditions predispose a person to inflammatory conditions of the eyes. Scleritis and uveitis are also diagnosed simply through observing the signs and symptoms.
Treatment
Scleritis is treated with corticosteroid eye-drops to decrease the inflammation. Sometimes corticosteroids are taken orally as well. If scleritis is caused by an underlying disorder, that disorder is treated in conjunction with the primary treatment of scleritis, detailed by University Maryland Medical Center.
Treatment of uveitis involves the administration of steroidal eye drops, pills or injections, in addition to medications to dilate the eye in order to reduce pain. In cases of severe uveitis, physicians may recommend chemotherapy to suppress the immune system, if appropriate, according to the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Prognosis
Depending upon the underlying cause of scleritis or uveitis and the early treatment of the disease, patients usually recovery from either disorder well. Both conditions can recur.
Complications
According to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, serious complications caused by scleritis include retinal detachment, uveitis, scleral scarring, scleral thinning, recurrent scleritis and scleral perforation.
Complications to uveitis include cataracts, loss of vision, retinal detachment and glaucoma.
