DR. REJO CYRIAC

Dr.JOSHMITHA M S, DR..MUTHAYYA MUTHUKUMAR, DR. RADHA K. ANNAMALAI

Abstract

AIM: To determine clinical features, imaging characteristics, visual outcome and association with systemic disease in episcleritis and scleritis.

METHODS: A prospective cohort study on 50 patients over 1 year. Ophthalmic evaluation. Imaging, response to treatment and development of complications studied. Data analysed using SPSS software.

RESULTS: Incidence of episcleritis-88% and scleritis-12%. Mean age group 34-52 years. Rheumatoid arthritis-56% and systemic lupus erythematosus-27% (statistically significant p=0.03). Infectious scleritis-3% (tubercular abscess, fungal, streptococcal). Concurrent scleritis and episcleritis-5%. Surgically induced diffuse scleritis-1%.

CONCLUSION: The immune system forms a crucial part in pathogenesis of scleritis. Early immunosuppression decreases visual loss. Connective tissue disease is the predominant cause. Infectious etiology is more common.