---
title: "Scleritis | Eye Health Guide"
description: "What scleritis is, how its severe deep eye pain differs from milder episcleritis, its link with autoimmune disease, and why it needs prompt treatment."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/conditions/scleritis/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Condition

# Scleritis

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

Scleritis is inflammation of the sclera, the white outer wall of the eye. It causes a deep, severe, often boring eye pain with redness, and can threaten vision. It is frequently linked to autoimmune conditions and needs prompt assessment and treatment, unlike the milder, more common episcleritis.

### On this page ⌄

1. Your next step
2. What it is
3. Common symptoms
4. Causes and links
5. Treatment and urgency
6. Related conditions
7. Related symptoms
8. Practical guides
9. Frequently asked questions

## What it is

Scleritis is inflammation of the sclera, the tough white coat of the eye. It is less common but more serious than episcleritis, which affects only the thin surface layer, and it can damage the eye if untreated.

## Common symptoms

Pain is the key feature that sets scleritis apart.

- Severe, deep, aching eye pain, often waking you at night
- Pain that may spread to the brow, jaw or face
- Redness with a bluish or violet tinge to the white of the eye
- Watering, light sensitivity, and sometimes reduced vision

## Causes and links

Around half of cases are linked to an underlying autoimmune or inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis. Less often it follows infection or eye surgery, and sometimes no cause is found.

## Treatment and urgency

Scleritis needs prompt assessment. Treatment usually involves anti-inflammatory medicines taken by mouth, and more severe cases may need stronger immune-modifying treatment, often shared with a rheumatologist. Because it can threaten sight and signal disease elsewhere, it should not be ignored.

## Related conditions

## Related symptoms

## Practical guides

## Frequently asked questions

### How is scleritis different from episcleritis?

Episcleritis is a common, mild inflammation of the surface layer that is often painless and settles on its own. Scleritis is deeper, much more painful, and can threaten vision, so it needs prompt treatment.

### Is scleritis linked to other diseases?

Often, yes. About half of cases are associated with an autoimmune condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, which is why investigation of the rest of the body may be needed.

### Is scleritis serious?

It can be. Scleritis causes significant pain and can damage the eye and vision if untreated, so a painful red eye that is deep and persistent needs prompt assessment.

Your next step

## Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

## Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

- [Scleritis - College of Optometrists](https://www.college-optometrists.org/clinical-guidance/clinical-management-guidelines/scleritis)