Scleritis

The sclera is the tough, white, fibrous outer layer of the eyeball. It is a connective tissue that extends from the edge of the cornea (commonly known as the "black of the eye") to the optic nerve at the back of the eye, giving the eye its white appearance and helping to maintain its shape. Scleritis is a severe, destructive, and vision-threatening inflammatory reaction involving the deep and entire scleral tissue. It is a serious eye disease often associated with underlying autoimmune conditions. Based on the depth of the lesion, it can be divided into two types: Episcleritis: The lesion is relatively superficial, and treatment is comparatively simple. Some patients may even recover spontaneously without special treatment. Scleritis: The lesion is deep and extensive, and it may be a manifestation of a systemic disease in the eye. Treatment is relatively difficult, the treatment cycle is long, and it is particularly prone to recurrence. Episcleritis commonly affects young and middle-aged adults aged 20-50, with a female-to-male incidence ratio of 3:1. Scleritis commonly affects individuals aged 40-60, with a higher incidence in females. The onset of this disease is acute, and the main symptoms are red eyes and eye pain.