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scleritis

scleritis

1 8.6
Painful swelling and redness of the white part of the eye
  • noun
  • /ˌsklɛrˈaɪtɪs/
  • Specialized
: escleritis
  • Dr. Smith diagnosed her with scleritis.

Examples

  • Treatment for scleritis usually involves anti-inflammatory medications prescribed by an eye specialist.

  • The ophthalmologist diagnosed her with scleritis after noticing severe redness and pain in her eye.

  • If left untreated, scleritis can lead to serious complications affecting vision.

  • Many patients experience pain due to scleritis.

  • Patients with scleritis often complain of severe eye pain and noticeable redness.

  • The doctor diagnosed her with scleritis after she described the intense discomfort in her eye.

  • Scleritis can lead to complications if not treated promptly, resulting in vision problems.

Synonyms

eye disease
vsscleritis
  • Specialized
3 3.3

A health problem that affects the eye and can harm vision

is a specific inflammation of the white outer layer causing pain
ophthalmitis
vsscleritis
  • Specialized
9.9

A condition that causes severe redness, swelling, and pain in the eye

is limited to the white outer layer causing local pain and redness

Surface Forms

scleritis singular
scleritides plural

Morphology

scleritis = sclera (semi-transparent) = scler + itis

Formally decomposes into 'sclera' + '-itis' (inflammation), but both elements are specialized medical morphemes that may be unfamiliar to general learners.

Etymology

Scleritis comes from the Greek parts scler- meaning 'hard' and -itis meaning 'inflammation'. It refers to inflammation of the sclera, the white, tough outer layer of the eye, so the name means 'inflammation of the hard part' of the eyeball.