Scleritis: Care Instructions

Front view of eye, showing brown-colored iris, pupil in center, and white sclera surrounding iris.

The sclera is the white of the eye. It is a fibrous covering that makes up much of the globe of the eye. The sclera protects the eye's inner parts.

Scleritis means that the sclera is inflamed. The inflammation is what makes the white of the eye look red, or sometimes purple.

Pain from scleritis is usually severe and is worse at night. The pain can spread to your face and jaw. Scleritis can make your eyes sensitive to light. It can also affect your vision. In more severe cases, it can lead to loss of vision.

Scleritis is often caused by another medical problem, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Sometimes an eye infection is the cause.

To find out if you have scleritis, your doctor checks your vision. Your doctor carefully examines your eyes. Your doctor also asks about other symptoms like joint pain or fevers. You may have tests and X-rays to look for medical problems that can cause scleritis. When scleritis is in the back of the eye, it can be harder to diagnose.

Treatment focuses on reducing the inflammation. Your doctor may give you a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). If the problem is severe, a steroid medicine may help. Or surgery may be needed to repair the eye and stop further vision loss. You may also need medicine to treat the cause, such as an antibiotic for infection or medicine for immune system problems.

With treatment, scleritis can sometimes go away in a few weeks. But it can last longer, even years.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

Be safe with medicines. Use them exactly as prescribed. Contact your doctor if you think you're having a problem with your medicine.
If you're using eyedrops or ointment, do these things first:
- Be sure the dropper or bottle tip is clean.
- Check the label to make sure you have the right medicine.
- Know if you need to shake the medicine (drops), whether it goes in one eye or both, and how much to use.
- Before and after touching your eyes, wash your hands with soap and clean, running water for at least 20 seconds.
To put in eyedrops or ointment:
- Tilt your head back. Pull your lower eyelid down with one finger.
- Drop (if eyedrops) or apply a small strip (if ointment) of the medicine inside the lower lid, or as directed by the doctor.
- Close your eyes for 30 to 60 seconds and then blink a few times to help the drops or ointment move onto your eye.
- Don't touch the ointment tip or dropper tip to your eyelashes or anywhere else.
Don't wear contact lenses until your doctor says it's safe to use them.
Wear sunglasses to help relieve pain from bright light.
See your doctor for checkups as often as scheduled.

When should you call for help?

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

You notice a loss of your vision.
You have vision changes.
You have new or worse eye pain.
You have new or worse redness in your eye.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

You do not get better as expected.

Current as of: January 11, 2026

Author: WebMD Ignite Staff

Clinical Review Board
All WebMD Ignite education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: January 11, 2026

Author: WebMD Ignite Staff

Clinical Review Board
All WebMD Ignite education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.