What Is It? Scleritis is a potentially serious inflammation of
the sclera, commonly called the white of the eye. It is the
tough, white tissue that gives the eye its shape and protects
the eye. More than 50% of cases of scleritis are associated with
another disease that affects the whole body, such as rheumatoid
arthritis, or are caused by infection or injury. Scleritis
occurs most often in people aged 30 to 60 and is rare in
children. If left untreated, the condition can spread to
surrounding structures in the eye and may damage the eye itself,
causing changes in vision. The main symptoms of scleritis are
pain and redness in the white part of the eye. These symptoms
usually develop gradually and eventually become severe. The
redness may become an intense purple. Many people with scleritis
have pain radiating from the eye to adjacent areas of the head
and face. Commonly, the eye becomes teary and very sensitive to
light. You may lose some vision. Your eye doctor will ask you
about your medical history and con