An update on the cause and treatment of scleritis.
OBJECTIVE
To review new clinically relevant data regarding the cause and treatment of scleritis that has been identified over the past 36 months.


RESULTS
A recently described T-helper cell population, known as Th-17, has been implicated in scleritis. Large-scale, retrospective reviews of standard corticosteroid-sparing systemic therapies, published in the last few years, have demonstrated only moderate efficacy for any particular immunomodulatory agent, whereas new data have confirmed excellent efficacy and tolerability to subconjunctival corticosteroids.


CONCLUSIONS
Improved understanding of the immunopathophysiology of scleritis offers hope for future molecule-specific drug design. Data continue to support the use of local steroids as a reasonable therapeutic option for nonnecrotizing, noninfectious anterior scleritis.
Rachitskaya
Aleksandra
A
Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA.
Mandelcorn
Efrem D
ED
Albini
Thomas A
TA
D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015423:Scleritis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents