Scleritis

Prevention & Expectations

What can be done to prevent the disease?

There are no known ways to prevent scleritis.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Complications may occur as scleritis progresses. These vary with the amount of inflammation. Over time, the disease alters the sclera. It becomes more transparent, letting the underlying pigment show through. This gives the eye a darker appearance. Some other complications are as follows:

  • glaucoma, or increased pressure within the eyeball that may lead to vision loss
  • retinal detachment, or separation of the retina from the back of the eyeball
  • swelling of the optic nerve, which carries messages from the eye to the brain
  • uveitis, or inflammation of the colored structures in the eye

    • Unfortunately, as many as 25% of individuals with scleritis lose a significant portion of their vision within a year of getting the condition. This occurs despite active therapy.

    What are the risks to others?

    Scleritis is not contagious, and poses no risk to others.