Serious inflammatory disease that affects white outer coating of the eye.Encyclopedia Entry for Scleritis :Scleritis. Scleritis is often linked to autoimmune diseases. These diseases occur when the body's immune system attacks and destroys healthy body tissue by mistake. Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus can cause this problem. Sometimes the cause is unknown. Scleritis occurs most often in people between the ages of 30 and 60. It is rare in children.Symptoms of scleritis include: Blurred vision Eye pain and tenderness -- severe Red patches on the normally white part of the eye Sensitivity to light -- very painful Tearing of the eye A rare form of this disease causes no eye pain or redness.Your health care provider will perform the following tests: Eye exam Physical exam and blood tests to look for conditions that may be causing the problem It is important for your provider to determine if you have scleritis. The symptoms can also be a less severe form of inflammation, such as episcleritis.Treatments for scleritis may include: Corticosteroid eye drops to help reduce the inflammation Corticosteroid pills Newer, nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in some cases Certain anticancer drugs (immune-suppressants) for severe cases If scleritis is caused by an underlying disease, treatment of that disease may be needed.In most cases, the condition goes away with treatment. But it may come back. The disorder causing scleritis may be serious. However, it may not be discovered the first time you have the problem. The outcome will depend on the specific disorder.Complications may include: Return of scleritis Side effects of long-term corticosteroid therapy Perforation of the eyeball, leading to vision loss if the condition is left untreated.Call your provider or ophthalmologist if you have symptoms of scleritis.Most cases cannot be prevented. People with autoimmune diseases, may need to have regular check-ups with an ophthalmologist familiar with the condition.Inflammation - sclera.Eye Eye.Boyd K. Scleritis. American Academy of Ophthalmology Web site. www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-scleritis. Accessed September 1, 2016. Watson P. Diseases of the sclera and episclera.