Scleritis and the spectrum of external inflammatory eye disease.

Scleritis, episcleritis and Mooren's ulcer form a poorly understood spectrum of inflammatory syndromes involving the ocular surface. Their pathogenesis is thought to be a vasculitis and may be related to immune complex deposition, as these syndromes are often associated with systemic diseases which are assumed to be vasculitic in aetiology. Scleritis and Mooren's ulcer are amongst the most severe external inflammatory diseases, often causing extensive damage to the sclera and cornea. They require aggressive investigation and management, often including systemic anti-inflammatory therapy. Systemic immunosuppression may be necessary to control severe disease.