When you get a red eye, you probably think of minor issues like allergies or pink eye. However, some conditions are in a totally different league. If you have a deep, boring pain in your eye along with intense redness, you could be facing scleritis, a serious inflammatory condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Unlike a simple infection, scleritis is a severe inflammation of the sclera—the tough, white outer wall of your eyeball. Consequently, it can threaten your vision if you don’t treat it promptly. This guide explains what you need to know about this ophthalmological emergency.
What Exactly Is Scleritis?
First, let’s be clear: scleritis is not a standard eye infection. It is an inflammation of the sclera. This protective white layer is crucial for maintaining your eye’s shape. When it becomes inflamed, it can cause severe pain and seriously damage your vision.
Doctors often link scleritis to underlying autoimmune diseases. However, in rare cases, an infection can cause it. For this reason, getting an accurate diagnosis is critical.
Key Symptoms: This Is Not Just a Red Eye
The symptoms of scleritis are far more intense than those of common eye problems. You should seek immediate medical help if you experience:
- Severe, Deep Eye Pain: People often describe this as a boring or aching pain that can spread to the jaw or head.
- Intense Redness: A deep red or even purplish hue that does not get better with standard eye drops.
- Extreme Sensitivity to Light (Photophobia).
- Blurred or Decreased Vision.
- Excessive Tearing.
- Pain When You Touch Your Eye.
What Causes This Painful Condition?
In most cases, scleritis is a sign that the body’s immune system is attacking itself. In fact, about half of all cases are connected to an autoimmune disease, such as:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Lupus
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (like Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis)
- Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis
While less common, an infection can sometimes trigger scleritis, especially after eye surgery or an injury. This infectious type is often more aggressive and requires a different treatment approach.
How Doctors Diagnose and Treat Scleritis
An ophthalmologist (eye specialist) must diagnose scleritis. First, they will perform a detailed eye exam. Then, to find the underlying cause, they may order other tests, such as:
- Blood Tests to check for autoimmune markers.
- Eye Imaging, like an ultrasound, especially if they suspect the inflammation is in the back of the eye (posterior scleritis).
Because the causes are so different, the treatment must be precise.
- For Autoimmune Scleritis: The main goal is to control the inflammation. Treatment often includes oral corticosteroid pills or other powerful immunosuppressive drugs. For very mild cases, strong anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) might be enough.
- For Infectious Scleritis: In this case, doctors must use targeted antibiotics or antifungal medications to kill the germs. Using steroids here could make the infection much worse.
For more information, you can consult trusted resources like the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Why You Must Take Seriously
Ignoring the symptoms of scleritis can lead to permanent and severe complications. For example, untreated inflammation can cause:
- Permanent vision loss.
- Thinning of the sclera, which could lead to a rupture.
- Glaucoma or cataracts.
- Retinal detachment.
If you already have an autoimmune condition, it is even more important to be aware of these symptoms. For tips on managing your health, see our The Ultimate Guide to Beating Miserable Pink Eye
In conclusion, while a red eye is usually not a cause for panic, a painful red eye is a major warning sign. Do not try to wait it out. If your eye is in severe pain, intensely red, and sensitive to light, see an eye doctor immediately. Quick action is the key to managing scleritis and protecting your precious sight.
