Scleraalisti

Scleraalisti is a term encountered in limited ophthalmologic literature to describe inflammatory or immune-mediated processes involving the sclera, the white outer eye tissue. It is not widely used as a formal diagnosis in mainstream practice, and references to scleraalisti commonly overlap with more established terms such as scleritis or scleral thinning disorders.

Signs and symptoms typically include eye pain, redness, tenderness around the eye, and sometimes tearing or light sensitivity. In more advanced or necrotizing forms, the sclera may appear thickened, reddened, or show areas of thinning and scleral opacity. Vision changes are possible in cases with significant inflammation or posterior segment involvement.

Causes and pathophysiology are frequently autoimmune or inflammatory in nature, and may be associated with systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, or inflammatory bowel disease. Infections can rarely contribute. The underlying mechanism generally involves immune-mediated attack on scleral tissues, leading to varying degrees of inflammation, vascular involvement, and tissue damage.

Diagnosis relies on a careful clinical assessment by an eye care professional, supported by slit-lamp examination to evaluate scleral and episcleral changes. Imaging such as ultrasound B-scan or optical coherence tomography can help assess posterior involvement or scleral thinning. Laboratory tests may be used to detect systemic inflammatory or rheumatologic conditions when indicated, while differential diagnosis includes episcleritis and other causes of red eye.

Treatment is tailored to severity and underlying cause. Mild cases may respond to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, while more active inflammation often requires corticosteroids and, in persistent or systemic cases, immunosuppressive therapy. Management also focuses on treating associated systemic disease and protecting ocular structure to preserve vision.