Clinical Profile of Patients with Necrotizing Scleritis in a Tertiary Eye Care Center in Southern India.

PURPOSE: To report the clinical profile of a series of necrotizing scleritis in an Indian population.

METHODS

A retrospective medical record review of 27 consecutive patients with necrotizing scleritis. Patient demographics, ocular and systemic findings, treatment modalities, and visual outcome were recorded.

RESULTS

There were 19 males and 8 females (31 eyes) with mean age at presentation of 49.5 years (range: 30-84 years). Underlying immunologically induced disorders was present in 37%. In 70% of the cases with immunologically induced disorders, necrotizing scleritis was the initial presentation. Complicated cataract (25.8%) and exudative retinal detachment (9.6%) were the most common anterior and posterior segment complications, respectively. Cyclophosphamide was the most commonly used immunosuppressive (55.56%) and proved to be the most effective. But even with the best available treatment, globe perforation was encountered in two eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

Necrotizing scleritis can be the initial presentation of immunologically induced disorders. This disease entity is plagued with a high rate of ocular complications, especially those which can be devastating, such as globe perforation. Early and intensive therapy can be helpful in salvaging the eye.