Sclerotitis is a medical term used to describe inflammation of the sclera, the white outer layer of the eye. The word is pronounced /sklɛrəˈtaɪtɪs/, which can be broken down into four syllables: sklere- (referring to the sclera), -o- (a linking vowel), -tit- (meaning inflammation), and -is (a Greek suffix indicating a medical condition). The spelling of this word is based on Greek roots and can be challenging to spell correctly, but the IPA transcription can help guide proper pronunciation.
Sclerotitis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation of sclera, the white outer layer of the eyeball. It is an uncommon and serious condition that typically affects adults, particularly those in their 40s and 50s. In sclerotitis, the immune system mistakenly triggers inflammation in the sclera, leading to various symptoms and complications.
The inflammation in sclerotitis can result in eye redness, pain, tenderness, and swelling. Vision may also be affected, causing blurriness or decreased visual acuity. In some cases, patients may experience sensitivity to light or excessive tearing. The condition can affect one or both eyes.
Sclerotitis is classified into different types based on its severity and underlying cause. There are three primary forms: anterior, posterior, and diffuse sclerotitis. Anterior sclerotitis affects the front part of the sclera, while posterior sclerotitis affects the back part. Diffuse sclerotitis involves inflammation throughout the entire sclera.
The exact cause of sclerotitis is often unknown, although it is believed to be related to autoimmune disorders. Rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, and other connective tissue diseases have been associated with sclerotitis. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent further complications, such as uveitis, glaucoma, or vision loss.
Treatment for sclerotitis typically involves addressing the underlying cause and managing the inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and immunosuppressive medications may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms and reduce inflammation. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to manage complications or restore vision.
1. Scleritis. 2. Otosclerosis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "sclerotitis" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "sclero" and "itis".
1. "Sclero" (from the Greek word σκληρός, sklērós) means "hard" or "stiff". It is commonly used in medical terminology to refer to diseases or conditions characterized by hardness or thickening of tissues.
2. "Itis" (from the Greek word -ῖτις, -ītis) is a suffix used to denote inflammation or swelling of a specific body part or tissue.
Therefore, "sclerotitis" combines "sclero" and "itis" to describe an inflammatory condition involving the hardening or thickening of a particular structure or tissue in the body.