About Scleritis
Q: What is scleritis?
A: Scleritis is inflammation of the sclera, the white part of the eye. It is often linked to autoimmune or inflammatory diseases but can also result from infections or injury. Scleritis can be serious and may lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated.
Q: What are the types of scleritis?
- Anterior scleritis: The most common form, affecting the front of the eye.
- Nodular scleritis: A type of anterior scleritis with bumps on the eye's surface.
- Necrotizing scleritis: A severe form that can destroy scleral tissue.
- Posterior scleritis: A rarer and more difficult-to-diagnose form affecting the back of the eye.
Q: What are the symptoms of scleritis?
- Common symptoms: Severe eye redness and intense pain, which may extend to the face.
- Anterior scleritis symptoms: Pain worsening with eye movement, light sensitivity, blurred vision, and excessive tearing.
- Posterior scleritis symptoms: Pain with eye movement, double vision, headaches, and eye irritation.
Q: What causes scleritis?
Scleritis can be caused by infections, viruses, trauma, or autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, such as:
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sjogren's syndrome
- Wegener's disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
Q: How is scleritis diagnosed?
Dr. Michelle Tarver will conduct a thorough eye exam, review your medical history, and may perform lab tests on blood or tissue samples. If no autoimmune history is present, she may refer you to a rheumatologist for further testing.
Q: How is scleritis treated?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause:
- Autoimmune-related scleritis: Referral to a specialist for managing the primary condition, with treatments like NSAIDs, corticosteroids, or immunosuppressive drugs.
- Infectious scleritis: Antibiotics or antifungal medications.
- Severe cases: Scleral grafts or reparative surgery may be necessary.
Q: What is the prognosis for scleritis?
If treated early, scleritis can often be managed successfully. However, untreated scleritis can cause permanent vision loss. Seeking prompt treatment from an ophthalmologist, like Dr. Tarver, is critical.
Q: What do patients say about Solomon Eye Physicians & Surgeons?
"I had a thorough exam, and the staff was professional. Dr. Siddiqui addressed all my concerns about my cataract surgery." – B.A. / Google
Scleritis Reviews
I have gone to Solomon Eye for years. I have seen Dr. Jonathan Solomon and, now, Dr. Tarver. Both are skilled professionals who have taken very good care of my sight. I recommend this practice to anyone. I was so scared when it was determined that I had glaucoma. Now I look forward to waking up and seeing what God has in store.
The staff is courteous and professional. I saw Dr. Siddiqui for a second opinion for a concern with my eyes regarding cataract surgery done 8 years prior by another company. He was very thorough and addressed all of my questions. He also performed glaucoma and cataract surgery on my husband and we are very satisfied with the results.
ICL surgery with Dr. Solomon was a life-changing experience, liberation from decades of functional blindness.I’ve had severe myopia since the age of 4 and can’t remember ever waking up and being able to see. Thick glasses, dry eyes from contacts, poor hand-eye coordination, and no peripheral vision shaped how I moved through the world. I’ve never played sports, was always called clumsy, and could never qualify for LASIK due to the strength of my prescription and the shape of my eyes.From my very first consultation, I knew refractive surgery with Dr. Solomon was the right path. He was the first doctor who genuinely understood what it meant to live nearly blind for 35 years, and put into words the frustration I’ve carried for so long. When he called me a hero for avoiding contacts in the weeks before surgery, it felt unexpectedly validating. Based on his guidance, I chose to pursue ICL (implantable collamer lens) surgery, and the results exceeded all expectations.From pre-op through recovery, the process was seamless and reassuring. Dr. Solomon and his team explained everything clearly, answered every question, and helped me feel confident in the decision. My vision is now better than I ever imagined.I highly recommend Dr. Solomon and his team to anyone considering ICL or any kind of vision correction surgery.
Dr Schwartz is terrific. She’s very helpful addressing issues that are related to dry eye syndrome, and works with you to find solutions, rather than temporary fixes. She’s fabulous!
Super friendly and professional office, both the doctors and the staff. You can tell they love what they’re doing - They’re like one big family! Dr. Schwartz and her tech had great a treatment plan for me that I know will help my severe dry eyes.
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See a Scleritis Specialist
Dr. Michelle Tarver has devoted her career to treating patients with ocular inflammation, such as scleritis. If you are experiencing abnormal eye pain and redness, we urge you to make an appointment with Dr. Tarver right away to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Scleritis is a very serious condition that can permanently affect your vision if not treated early on, but Dr. Tarver at Solomon Eye Physicians & Surgeons can help.