inflammation of the sclera caused chiefly by rheumatism, tuberculosis, brucellosis, or viral and other infections. It is marked by severe irritation of the eye, pain, and formation of an infiltrate in the sclera. Scleritis is often complicated by keratitis and iridocyclitis. In episcleritis, which is the inflammation of the outermost layers of the sclera, irritation is less pronounced and visual acuity usually remains unimpaired. Scleritis is treated with physiotherapy, antibiotics, and hormonal drugs and with local application of heat and corticosteroids.