EPISCLERITIS AND SCLERITIS - REVIEW OF MODERN DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC APPROACH

The clinical differentiation of the various subtypes of scleral and ep iscleral inflammation is crucial for its early and adequate management . Particularly important is the recognition of necrotizing scleritis, since it is frequently associated with ocular complications, going alo ng with a bad ocular prognosis. In patients who suffer from associated vasculitic systemic disease, the appearance of scleritis indicates a generalization of the vasculitis, which carl result in potentially let hal systemic complications. Only the early diagnosis and an adequate a ggressive therapy can preserve ocular functions and the patients life. Conventional steroid therapy generally fails to control the inflammat ory activity in necrotizing scleritis. However, application of nonster oidal immunosuppressive drugs has been shown to control the vasculitic conditions in the majority of cases, to improve ocular prognosis and to reduce mortality.