Scleritis

Scleritis affects the sclera, the tough white outer wall of the eye, which becomes inflamed, swollen, and painful. In many cases the immune system is thought to drive this inflammation as part of an underlying autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, lupus, or Sjogren's syndrome, and a smaller share of cases are linked to infection rather than autoimmunity.

A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis described scleritis as a rare condition overall, and found that roughly a quarter to over 40 percent of people with scleritis have an associated immune-mediated disease, most commonly rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, or inflammatory bowel disease, with rates varying by region, age, and study population. Because scleritis can threaten vision, it needs prompt care from an eye specialist.

Common signs

Deep, often severe eye pain and tenderness, redness or reddish-purple patches on the white of the eye, light sensitivity, tearing, and blurred vision. Pain may spread to the jaw, face, or head on the same side.

This is a plain-language summary for orientation, not a diagnosis. Mechanisms are described as current understanding, not settled fact. Work with your own clinician for your care.